I’m reading Demon Copperhead and I’ve only just realised that it’s based on David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. Somehow, I feel cheated. I hated Dickens in school - melodramatic claptrap - but it does explain the ‘serial’ feel of the book. It’s a clever book, the characters are credible, going beyond characterisation (another of my pet Dickens’ peeves.) And the writing is beautiful, wonderful imagery etc.

I know there’s nothing new under the sun and all tales are variations on a theme. This book, though, barely even changes the characters’ names.

I’m so disappointed. I don’t know what to think. And I’ve lost interest in finishing the book. Have you read it? What are your thoughts? #books #PulitzerPrize #lazywriting #writers

  • Kwakigra@beehaw.org
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    1 year ago

    Adapting an old idea your own way isn’t laziness, it’s basically how any new art is made at all. If this author’s transformation of something you didn’t enjoy is something you do enjoy, what really is wrong with it?

    • josabrimOP
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      1 year ago

      I guess that’s what I’m trying to work out. It could just be my own bias against Dickens.