HOW FICTION WORKS

James Wood's commanding discussion of the inner workings of fiction writing is an informative reference intended for those already somewhat skilled at the craft. Dozens of excerpts from notable works of fiction are cited, and common mainstays of the novel-writing process are analyzed and debunked. This insightful and extremely thorough work is akin to a college lecture that proceeds at a relentless pace. James Adams's somewhat pedantic narration initially fails to reach out to the listener as an educator might. However, his delivery eventually warms up to a livelier, more engaging tone. Ultimately, his masterful grasp of the content makes for a keen accompaniment to the material. A.P.C. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2010]