I struggle to read fiction as my aphantasic brain can't fill in the gaps. So I really appreciate authors who go to the trouble of making their worlds real in words.
The dividing line between fiction and non-fiction can be porous too. From a place writing perspective, how do I judge a fictional story set in a real place? Waterland by Graham Swift is an extraordinarily evocative depiction of the Fens, and though the human story is imagined, the history, geography and sheer mood of the place are beautifully described.
It's a really interesting question - I love fiction with a strong sense of place but I can see the argument for place writing as a genre being more narrowly applied. I guess one of the fuzzy edges is where real life locations and landscapes are central to the work - Hardy's Wessex for instance tells us a lot about how he saw the area, as well as being a backdrop for his stories.
The jury is out for me, Shelly, in regard to formats other than non-fiction 'qualifying' for the genre label of Place Writing. I want to argue that it should only apply to non-fiction, but I know that this is in many ways a gut feeling. Perhaps it doesn't even have to be determined, but I want to explore this further.
Hardy's Wessex is a good example of place being highlighted in fiction - a great setting based on real landscapes - but I don't think that I would be comfortable referring to any of his novels as being good examples of Place Writing.
I struggle to read fiction as my aphantasic brain can't fill in the gaps. So I really appreciate authors who go to the trouble of making their worlds real in words.
The dividing line between fiction and non-fiction can be porous too. From a place writing perspective, how do I judge a fictional story set in a real place? Waterland by Graham Swift is an extraordinarily evocative depiction of the Fens, and though the human story is imagined, the history, geography and sheer mood of the place are beautifully described.
Thanks for the though provoking article.
Hi Dru. Thanks for your comment. I think you've captured this fuzzy area of Place Writing perfectly with the Graham Swift example.
It's a really interesting question - I love fiction with a strong sense of place but I can see the argument for place writing as a genre being more narrowly applied. I guess one of the fuzzy edges is where real life locations and landscapes are central to the work - Hardy's Wessex for instance tells us a lot about how he saw the area, as well as being a backdrop for his stories.
The jury is out for me, Shelly, in regard to formats other than non-fiction 'qualifying' for the genre label of Place Writing. I want to argue that it should only apply to non-fiction, but I know that this is in many ways a gut feeling. Perhaps it doesn't even have to be determined, but I want to explore this further.
Hardy's Wessex is a good example of place being highlighted in fiction - a great setting based on real landscapes - but I don't think that I would be comfortable referring to any of his novels as being good examples of Place Writing.
I *really* didn't get on with Piranesi but judging on the conversations I've had about it that might be a minority view 😂
I also didn't really enjoy it!
I think yes. World building is a growing genre, no?
Yes, gaming, fantasy, and sci-fi, as well as fiction more generally.
TC Boyle is famous for creating words, usually multi-syllable wonders.