a.n.smith (ansmith@netdoor.com)
Fri, 10 Dec 1999 18:09:27 -0600
The hardboiled and naturalist writers were reacting to
something, and the prime suspects are modernism (as far as
the style goes) and the lightweight mysteries--locked rooms
and nuns and the Englisgh countryside. Now, we've had
hardboiled writing since the twenties. It's good stuff. I
love it. But it sounds old sometimes, and I guess I'm looking
to new writers for a reaction to all the cliches and make me
see something new again.
As for new fans, the old books are there, and we should
eagerly point them out to these people. But in the case of
the new Amos Walkers, etc., I just wish the same things
wouldn't get photocopied over and over and presented as new
work. "The Witchfinder" tries so hard to be old--the loner
wise guy detective, the old, sickly client with the secrets,
the running-around town busting past secretaries into
suspects' offices.
And it's not just jaded HB fans. It's in the culture--see the
hat? The slang? The damsel in distress rescued by the
hard-shelled/heart-of-gold PI? People know it instantly.
Shake it up some.
Neil Smith
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