Christine described Evanovich as people who would “have to live in a cave not to see her books.” Well, I am sure I must have noticed her books, but I have never read one or even looked at one before. This was quite an experience.
Evanovich’s long list of novels is quite impressive, especially in light of her main emphasis on plot. I can’t imagine coming up with that many plotlines! The book pulls in a reader and begins a fast and furious escapade. The fast pace of her story works well with her writing style since so much of the novel is over the top – in implausible characters and situations. While a reader of another novel might take time to protest an impossibility – shotgun-toting salesladies or spying devices better than anything in Get Smart – Evanovich keeps her readers flipping pages too quickly to stop and complain. At times, she seems to take a quick break in the narrative in order to set up a very comical scene. I had to laugh at the scene of the grandmother becoming part of the band, her son-in-law’s reactions, and Morelli’s designs on the cookies.
Novels with female narrators are rare; it is interesting that we have read four of them. All four authors employ narrators who appear to be honest enough that we see their flaws through their own descriptions. In all of the stories, this creates sympathy and pulls the reader to the character’s cause. I worried about all four as I read their stories. This one was the quickest read. Even though Stephanie shares a great deal about herself, I felt I knew less of her than the other narrators, but this could be because we shared a much shorter time with her. Readers of the rest of the series would probably feel as if they came with more clues as to her motivations.
One way I see Stephanie as different from Jemima is that Stephanie seems more self-confident and less likely to put emphasis on appearance. This might be because (and I have to admit I am jealous...) Stephanie seems to be able to eat anything she wants. Susie and Lily have a great deal of empathy for the suffering of others. In the same way, Stephanie forms an instant bond with Julie that ends up helping their rescue.
Obviously, Janet Evanovich has a huge audience. I am sure that Thirteen, Fourteen, and (my bet for the next – Foxy Fifteen) will all be best sellers if she sticks to her formula.
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8 comments:
Your blog was fun to read. I loved the line about the spying devices being even better than the ones in Get Smart! I agree that the narrator's authentic voice is what really makes these books tick. The plot, the over-the-top attire and everything else didn't really add up if you tried to look at it literally. She really has to sustain that frenetic pacing to pull it off...and pull it off she does!
You seem to be an expert at diagnosing the authors writing style. I do believe that Evanovich's next series of books will be a hit. I laughed at the grandmother wanting to join the band to, There were quite a few laughing moments in this novel. Keep up the good work
Wonderful post! Some of your favorite parts of the book are mine as well. The grandmother always gives so much life to book. I agree that some of the events seem impossible yet we constantly watch movies like this all the time. I think it just adds to the humor of the book!
I hadn't read one of her books either, but have many friends that have. They all seemed to love them. This book isn't my favorite type, but you're right it was a very quick read. We have the same favorite part :), I love that scene where the grandmother leans over to plug something in and whoops!! Stephanie's dad's one-liners cracked me up. He was the funniest character to me.....I remember the part about Morelli's designs on the cookies; "Italian Stallion". I'd have to admit I too am a little jealous of the Stephanie character. Her ability to just throw on clothes without standing in her closet for half an hour would be heaven, as is her ability to just dab a little mascara on and be ready to walk out the door. :)
I liked the part where you described the female narrators. I liked how Stephanie is not the average female, maybe it is her job that makes seem that way. I also agree that I didn't know as much about her. I thought maybe that could be because this was book 12, and if we had read them all then we might know more. I don't know, this was my first time with Evanovich too.
I wrote my scathing review before I had read anyone else's. Clearly I am in the minority for having hated this book so much, but I must admit that I like the fact the heroin is strong and unapologetic. She gets the job done, and she doesn't look too far into the future, which is probably necessary given the dangers on the job. I am sure that Evanovich's style is an acquired taste. People who love her books probably know the character of Stephanie Plum very well by now, and they appreciate her on a deeper level as a result.
I agree that the characters are implausible, yet Stephanie Plum seems to agree with that thought, so we can buy into her imperfect character and relate to her "doughnut therapy." She does interrupt the plotline with humor, and the laughter propels us through any incredulity.
I think you are right about the book being so fast paced that many readers don't have time to complain about some implausibilities in the plot line. I really think most people are probably reading it as some sort of an escape from reality though, so maybe it works.
Stephanie very much eats whatever she wants. I think she is more of the studly prototype than Jamima, who is more of an every woman's woman.
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