We have passed the midpoint of this collection, so about three weeks remain before we try to glean what we might have learned from this experiment. I proposed to my young writer friend that we examine Appel's collection of stories, EINSTEIN'S BEACH HOUSE, together, and blog about our observations of his narrative techniques, and perhaps detect elements that comprise his style. All of the stories in the collection were printed earlier in various journals.
It seemed clear to me that these were among Appel's first published attempts at story telling. What made these stories effective enough to be accepted for publication in journals? Do these stories hang together as a collection?
What can we learn from reading and discussing the stories? What is the "languaging" of the author Appel? Is it distinctive? What is the relationship of plot to character development? In this small group of stories, is there enough coherence to say Appel has a particular style?
Maybe there are better questions to be asked. I'm sure there must be. But I'm a strong believer that it can be fun to just dive in and start looking at what is before you.
Looking ahead to "The Rod of Asclepius."
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