It's an interesting review, actually, and I do find it amusing that I'm not part of the authors who have an 'unselfconscious ‘Australianness’ ' in my writing, though McHugh is unable to explain such a quality, as would I. It's even a stranger critique to have when the stories he finds with this quality are about vampires and are compared to David Lynch. Taste is taste and all that, but I could've done with a bit more time given to that idea, I think.
Anyhow, about 'The Dreaming City' he writes,
"Ben Peek’s ‘The Dreaming City’ similarly flirts with not-quite-right American characterisation. Nonetheless, ‘The Dreaming City’ is impressive both for the Ash-esque style attempted and its ambition—to capture the essence of the city of Sydney, through a fusion of real and alternative Australian history. Ironically, while the blurring of fact and fantasy is successful, an idea of the city as a unique entity never quite (for me) emerges."
I have no idea what Ash-esque style is, either, but I assume it relates to Mary Gentle's novel, which I haven't read. I've heard only good things, though.
Link.
Anyhow, about 'The Dreaming City' he writes,
"Ben Peek’s ‘The Dreaming City’ similarly flirts with not-quite-right American characterisation. Nonetheless, ‘The Dreaming City’ is impressive both for the Ash-esque style attempted and its ambition—to capture the essence of the city of Sydney, through a fusion of real and alternative Australian history. Ironically, while the blurring of fact and fantasy is successful, an idea of the city as a unique entity never quite (for me) emerges."
I have no idea what Ash-esque style is, either, but I assume it relates to Mary Gentle's novel, which I haven't read. I've heard only good things, though.
Link.
Comments
it was an odd comment, i think. in a way, i reckon that cause i had an american character, that makes me not australian? i've no idea. but i think i will embrace this new found freedom and write about peru.
*sigh*
And today, while hacking up a paper on FOXP2 and genetics, I really wish I had a style...any style.
Maybe I should start reading Australian science fiction. At least when I move in a year or two, I'll have some idea what to expect from the other dreamers:)
why you moving down here in a year or two, anyhow?
is it as cool as it sounds?
And I guess it already is that cool to some: my last student just left, after a three hour talk about the topic after the study session. Sometimes just the thought of those elements can spark amazing conversations.
yeah, i find that in my little creative writing teaching world, too. it's what makes teaching neat. i don't think i'd do it otherwise. but that little moment when you realise someone is just getting something out of what you showed, that's total cool.
Somedays, a chair is just a chair....
Interesting and thoughtful review, that one.