I strongly believe, small sequences in a story go a long way in defining the overall impact of a book. Such engaging book sequences stay with you for long. And, you remember the book with them. They are, in fact, great advertisements for the books. They are capable of tempting the readers who haven’t yet read them.
Even now I remember that endearing scene from Sooley. Little Angelina is jumping up and down, running about the house elated with her brother’s return. And wanting to get hold of someone to share the news with. Such an sweet little touch that, for me, is one of the highlights of the book.
Therefore, I thought of starting a feature to commemorate such “authors’ touches” on a regular basis. With the Winter reads in full swing, I bring here my favorite ones in the books I have read this winter.
Engaging Sequence #1 – The Maid
The first amongst them I wish to talk about is from The Maid – Chapter 16 (Get it on Amazon): Our “Molly The Maid” is being interrogated by Detective Stark, who has allowed her to make a call to Mr. Preston. As she finishes the call, Stark extends her hand, apparently asking the cell phone back. Instead, Molly passes the empty cup to her! I was in splits reading this dialogue between the two. A witty one from Nita Prose. Below is the transcript:
Once I finish my call to Mr Preston, Detective Stark holds out her hand. In truth, I do not know what for, so I grab my empty Styrofoam cup and pass it to her, thinking we are finished and that she’s cleaning the table.
‘Are you kidding me?’ she says. ‘Now you think I’m your maid?’
Engaging Sequence #2 – One Hundred Years Of Lenni And Margot
The other book that had quite a bunch of engaging sequences is One Hundred Years Of Lenni And Margot (buy on Amazon). I would love to mention here Lenni’s first meeting with Father Arthur. What a lovely creation from Cronin. Father Arthur asks her why she was there. And she replies, she wants to buy a BMW! It is hilarious how he keeps asking if she likes the window in the church. Lenni however continues her barrage of fiery queries & observations – ranging from what he has for lunch to why the church is empty.
Likewise, their second meeting was equally hilarious. The church is again empty but the priest continues to deny it. And she says it’s ok as it must be embarrassing to accept – like you throw a party and no one turns up. Hah! This is the beauty of good writing. A lovely character that Cronin crafted – one you would love despite her sharp talk.
There is a stark similarity I see in both these characters, which again exemplifies the power of good writing. While both these characters of Molly and Lenni hover upon the edge of offending people, but such is their character sketch that you cannot but help loving them.
Engaging Sequence #3 – Malibu Rising
Mick is back hoping for the Rivas, his children, to accept him back into the family. Instead, he gets admonished by Nina, and how! Crisp writing, potent dialogues. A redemption for all that she and her mother have endured all their lives. You can read those passages over and over again! (available on Amazon)
So, these are the stand out sequences thus far in my reading this winter. Looking forward to more such great reading with some highly anticipated reads coming up.