Etienne Borgers (freeweb@rocketmail.com)
Wed, 1 Dec 1999 02:23:10 -0800 (PST)
A lot has now been said here about the trend of some modern
HB/Noir to shift to "sensitive detective". Unless we
re-define the whole domain, word by word there will always be
disagreements on what is a PI, a HB author, a sensitive
person...etc.
I personally do not think this is the issue. We came close to
the heart of the problem in some participants' answers: the
unnecessary "padding" of some traits of the central character
in order to make a virtual (or actual- see Spenser) subplot
that eats the books and even overlaps all over the rest of
the series.
Of course a tough guy facing his tough world may have
sensitive thought,feelings or compassion! But this in the
course of the main plot, and not trying to make another story
with it. The same goes for his habits, otherwise he suddenly
becomes someone not more interesting that the orchid planter,
or the safari hunter of classic detection fame.
When sensitivity or personal traits become a real subplot,
that's the capital sin, sometime the result of some
publishers acting as pushers into that direction and probably
also authors leaning to facility. And that's what I and some
other participants here feel when reading that kind of book.
And makes us disappointed when seen from gifted
authors.
Characters with personality are certainly a good thing even
in HB, but trying to make them acceptable by the mainstream
public by showing them as having a normal
"human" life (see subplots)is close to perversion of the
"tough" and "pessimistic" novel.
I'm not in favor of rules in writing. So definitions limiting
HB is something that I feel as not necessary. But if HB or
"tough" novels (be it from general lit or mystery lit) are
not acceptable to some, well ... good... they can always read
romance and "true stories", watch TV commercials, and have a
very nice day... And the concerned ex-HB authors, with
unnecessary subplots , could always write for the above cited
media. But hey, they would suddenly lose their well known
character that makes the sales. So, no way! That's business!
Good for them. Bad for lit.
E.Borgers Hard-Boiled Mysteries http://www.geocities.com/Athens/6384
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