How Fiction Works

James Woods really likes Flaubert

So, how does fiction work? Spoiler alert: you won't find out from this book.

The book's structure is that of an academic paper, both concise and complex. However, what it lacks is any kind of beginning thesis or final conclusion. Further, there are no theses or conclusions to be found anywhere within the body of the text. The writing is comprised of long, meandering chunks of text that flow freely between thoughts, not clearly defined or separated.

The content itself consists of cover-to-cover reports of what this or that author said in this or that book, or how one scholar critiqued another author's works. Now, this wouldn't be so bad if a point was made that helped the reader to understand the functions of fiction or provided insight into the different learnings made as a result. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen.

To add to the difficulty of driving any meaningful understanding through this book, all of the examples cited are out of date publications and authors; further alienating the reader and their attention. Ironically, the author's experience and understanding of these authors and books, is about the only positive thing that it has going for it. However, it is ultimately useless without sharing lessons learned. As for all of the authors and books discussed, I wanted to suggest that there should be a warning prior to the first chapter that states that readers should have read certain books before reading this one for a minimal amount of understanding. However, it really doesn't matter, as the content is not presented in a way that provides the reader with wisdom and conclusions, so having that additional context would do the reader no favors.

I purchased this book with the intention of gaining a better understanding of fiction and improving my writing skills. If it wasn't for the fact that I bought this book long ago, I would have returned it. My suggestion to anyone reading this book is that you don't waste your time. Instead, find something that seeks to offer insight and inspiration.

I have the same criticism of this book as I have about recent books on education; Wood writes as if he is revealing scientific truth rather than quite changeable theory and opinion. And, I hate to tell him, but his book is nothing but one man's opinions. It may be that all the heads are nodding along with Wood right now, but this, too, will pass. Wood writes beautifully himself and his thoughts are full of lovely metaphors and clever insights. But is this the truth revealed for all time? No. Just a nice book with lots of interesting twists and turns on other people's writings.