Monday, April 9, 2012

Response to Robert Elrod's "As Big As Light"


            Robert’s story is written in the style of journal entry from a man named Dean.  Dean is suffering from some form of mental degradation and has been asked by his doctors to attempt to recall memories in his notebook.  Dean remembers the times when he used to work for the prestigious Huxley family.  Their son, Adrian, is an artist and is having a difficult time dealing with his father’s lack of tolerance for his son’s lifestyle.  One evening Dean and Adrian have a chat where in Adrian reveals that he wishes to commit suicide.  Subsequently, Dean talks him out of it, ending the story with the characters presumed compromise.
            I liked this story a lot.  Many elements to the story were working quite well.  My favorite aspect would probably have to be the dialogue.  The phrasing of the sentences read eloquently and seems to flow seamlessly.  Robert really captured the character’s tones and feelings from the dialogue.  As he recounts the past, Dean doesn’t seem quite sure of a few minor details, revealing his failing health.  The scene between Dean and Adrian is a high point in the story.  My only complaint is that I feel as if the story ended too quickly.  I want to know what else happens between the Huxley family and Dean.  I feel that the story lacks certain pieces to the overall puzzle.  If another journal entry separate from the current entry were added, I feel that the story could really benefit from that idea.
            In all, this story has a lot of potential, however I feel that the current draft could be a bit longer with more information.  I loved the tone of voice and the possibility of an unreliable narrator.  I also really appreciated the bond between Adrian and Dean.  I really enjoyed this story.

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