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1.51k reviews for:
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life
George Saunders
4.52 AVERAGE
1.51k reviews for:
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life
George Saunders
4.52 AVERAGE
This affectionate, thoughtful, quirky analysis of seven classic Russian short stories (Chekhov, Turgenev, Tolstoy, Gogol) is absolutely a must-read for anyone interested in books about the craft of fiction. Saunders approaches these stories with tenderness and humor and even a bit of humility, which is impressive when you consider Saunders’s own credentials and accomplishments. He is a fresh-voiced and explosively creative author; this book shows that he is also a compassionate and dedicated teacher.
The stories themselves are not the best part; you may or may not love them as much as Saunders does. And even if you don’t completely agree with his analysis of what makes them great, you will come away with insights into the options you have when you construct a short story. As a relatively inexperienced author of fiction, I am sometimes overwhelmed by the number of levers I have to pull; not only is every element of the universe under my complete control but also how much about each element I say. Saunders examines those levers carefully and shows how stories change when this one or that one is pulled with more or less force. It’s inspiring food for thought.
The stories themselves are not the best part; you may or may not love them as much as Saunders does. And even if you don’t completely agree with his analysis of what makes them great, you will come away with insights into the options you have when you construct a short story. As a relatively inexperienced author of fiction, I am sometimes overwhelmed by the number of levers I have to pull; not only is every element of the universe under my complete control but also how much about each element I say. Saunders examines those levers carefully and shows how stories change when this one or that one is pulled with more or less force. It’s inspiring food for thought.
I would give this six stars if I could. Such wonderful insights not only about Russian short stories and writing, but about the role of art and writing and reading in living a little bit better life than we could manage without them.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
So so so good. What a fantastic read. First, lovers of literature/reading are offered so much by watching Saunders work through Chekhov, Turgenev, and Tolstoy--a joyful journey each time. Saunders is the kind of reading I'm trying to be: more attentive, big-hearted, and drawing-out-the-human in so many ways.
However, if you're a writer, this book is a treasure. Saunders is masterful when talking about escalation, story energy, moral transformation, description and being through language, etc. An immensely valuable read for me in this regard. Already, I can say ... one of the best books on writing I've read.
However, if you're a writer, this book is a treasure. Saunders is masterful when talking about escalation, story energy, moral transformation, description and being through language, etc. An immensely valuable read for me in this regard. Already, I can say ... one of the best books on writing I've read.
so wonderful + practical + dense. bought it so i can reference back
challenging
informative
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
informative
lighthearted
This book was amazing. Don’t you just think that fiction is the most foundational genre there is? In fact, here are three points that prove my theory.
But before those points, let’s describe how I felt at every moment in the book. Confused, and once I reached a small feeling of understanding, I began to be hopeful. The hopefulness soon abated as I realized I would never be as good as these guys. This gave way to a resigned feeling of intrigue as I attempted to comprehend exactly what was masterful in each story before having it explained to me. Plot twist: I wasn’t good at that.
Anyway, fiction is the most foundational genre because overall, fiction really writes a story. It uses words and sentences in a different way. Although honestly nonfiction really gets down to the nitty gritty of life in a better way. If you want to know what life is all about you should read nonfiction.
Anyways, I have to go. My nose has disappeared and I have a sneaking suspicion my neighbor has resorted to witchcraft…
But before those points, let’s describe how I felt at every moment in the book. Confused, and once I reached a small feeling of understanding, I began to be hopeful. The hopefulness soon abated as I realized I would never be as good as these guys. This gave way to a resigned feeling of intrigue as I attempted to comprehend exactly what was masterful in each story before having it explained to me. Plot twist: I wasn’t good at that.
Anyway, fiction is the most foundational genre because overall, fiction really writes a story. It uses words and sentences in a different way. Although honestly nonfiction really gets down to the nitty gritty of life in a better way. If you want to know what life is all about you should read nonfiction.
Anyways, I have to go. My nose has disappeared and I have a sneaking suspicion my neighbor has resorted to witchcraft…
"Fiction: it's not everything, but it's not nothing."
Like sitting in on a great college class. The stories are well-chosen, expertly supplemented by Saunders' literary analysis and tips on how to write and read a good story.
Like sitting in on a great college class. The stories are well-chosen, expertly supplemented by Saunders' literary analysis and tips on how to write and read a good story.
informative
slow-paced
I think for someone more interested in both Russian literature and writing as a craft than I am this book would have been better, I just wasn’t that invested in the subject matter