Patrick-
With all due respect, the POV character is still the
antagonist of the piece: the reason for the story. By
definition, the "villain" is the straw that stirs the drink
in these sorts of stories. And unreliable narrators are
considered a no-no by many because it's possible for a lazier
writer than a Lehane to cheat by using this mechanism.
As for Lehane being compared to Dan Brown on this list, I
don't see that. I can't understand how pointing out (in
response to complaints that he is "underappreciated") that he
is one of the most widely read, most lauded, best remunerated
authors in the business today, and that many authors would
love to be so "underappreciated" is calling him a "hyped
mediocrity."
And he's certainly no Dan Brown.
Lehane is good, and he's to be commended for not playing it
either safely or comfortably, and for his willingness to take
chances. BUT when you take chances, and essay something "new"
or "experimental" it doesn't always work, and when it doesn't
work, people are both entitled and obligated to point that
out when discussing one's books, rather than treating it as a
literary case of the Emperor's New Clothes.
Rara Avis is usually a pretty fair place. If anything, the
folks here tend to cut many authors of lesser ability and
focus than Lehane (like Mickey Spillane, who I consider
unreadable) too *generous* of a break.
All the Best-
Brian
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