Interview was arguably real lit. I've seen far too many professors at such reputable universities who simply cannot admit that genre literature can be real literature, and that's annoying ivory tower elitist crap. Rice blew away such annoying 'Literary Classics' as James' "Turn of the Screw", at least, with "Interview".
Shakespeare was so great because it was in the vernacular at the time, and dealt with subjects that could last the test of time because people of varying generations could continue to identify with them. Rice hit both of those nails squarely enough upon their little beanies. I could list you dozens of authors who first put out when she did and are long forgotten by the vast majority. What bothers me is that she continues to sell not because she's good, as she thinks, but because her fan base keeps hoping for a repeat of something she frankly may never be able to reproduce...a timely and timeless novel. Which is one where I'll give it to Shakespeare..he put out repeatedly.
I'll give Rice her first book as something substantial. At the time, it was. It involved issues NO ONE was talking about at the time. It was different, and unique. Thing is? Once different and unique was no longer an issue, everyone else could do it as well or better. Often, the knock offs could surpass the original. I won't give her much more than Lestat. The rest of what I've read by her was frankly crap. If I'm going to give anyone real credit beyond that, it would frankly be Chelsea Quinn Yarbro.
no subject
Shakespeare was so great because it was in the vernacular at the time, and dealt with subjects that could last the test of time because people of varying generations could continue to identify with them. Rice hit both of those nails squarely enough upon their little beanies. I could list you dozens of authors who first put out when she did and are long forgotten by the vast majority. What bothers me is that she continues to sell not because she's good, as she thinks, but because her fan base keeps hoping for a repeat of something she frankly may never be able to reproduce...a timely and timeless novel. Which is one where I'll give it to Shakespeare..he put out repeatedly.
I'll give Rice her first book as something substantial. At the time, it was. It involved issues NO ONE was talking about at the time. It was different, and unique. Thing is? Once different and unique was no longer an issue, everyone else could do it as well or better. Often, the knock offs could surpass the original. I won't give her much more than Lestat. The rest of what I've read by her was frankly crap. If I'm going to give anyone real credit beyond that, it would frankly be Chelsea Quinn Yarbro.
-Dira-