Small Island is an excellent example where dialogue makes the story come off the page and creates distinct relationships. The novel is told from four different voices. In 1948, Hortense Joseph arrives in London from Jamaica to meet her husband who has returned from the war. If I remember correctly, they were only married six months before he left. Hortense expects a much more elegant and honorable welcoming. Her Jamaican husband, Gilbert, expects a much more obedient and passive wife. Now we have a situation.
The first and second chapters narrated by Hortense and Gilbert respectively are clever and funny with snappy answers, the Jamaican way. The author uses her craft here. This is not "real dialogue." People just aren't that fast on their feet. But it seems natural and believable in prose.
I would recommend Small Island as a super read. And for writers who are looking to polish their dialogue, it's a must.
Catherine Alexander
catherine@catherinealexander.net
No comments:
Post a Comment