Discussion Question #2

[Amy]

The narrative also follows a non-linear sequence—shifting at times from present to past. How effective was this method in regards to revealing conflict in the novel? Did you find the structure of the book disorienting? Do you think it was effective in mirroring the nature of the circus?

[Amy]

Yes, I found it disorienting, and, again, to be fully honest, I didn't like the author's use of present tense. I thought it was amateurish and annoying. I found it a chore to read, and I think the whole thing would have flowed SO much better if it was all in past tense. It made no sense to have a third person narrator who could relate events as they were happening.

[Amy]

I found it a small annoyance. Mostly, I just thought it unnecessary. Maybe amateurish is the best description here Amy! I kind of thought of it as something one would do in a college creative writing class as an exercise. I am not sure how it, in any way, mirrored the nature of the circus. What it did for me is make me look at the beginning of the last chapter every time I started a new chapter so I would know if I was going forward or backward.

[Sheryl]

I have to say I found it a bit diorienting too. Didn't like having to stop and figure out where I was at the beginning of each chapter. I thought it distracted more than added to the overall telling of the story.

[Amy]

I agree Sheryl! I'm glad you joined the discussion!!

:)

[Amy]

Me too!!

[[deleted user]]

I had not thought about the time shifts as something to be annoyed by, I have a habit of looking back while reading anyway. I feel that the necessity to orient myself continually involves me more in the story; The Time Traveler's Wife had the same affect on me. Some of Haruki Murakami’s books alternate between two different story lines and I get the same sensation.

[Amy]

Hi Michael! I sort of agree, I do look back sometimes when I am reading a book, I guess I just resent *having* to! : )