Is the novel dead?

Jay Mandal

Is the novel dead? I ask this question because of the article on page 35 of May's Writers' News. Is it "old-fashioned and one-dimensional"? Does it seem "flat and dull" in comparison with new media?

Nutmeg

no way!!! its the people that are not being taught to enjoy reading at a young age! take for example Eragon book is 100% better than the movie! one dimensional? you get to see inside the characters' heads in a book whereas a movie you don't!

edit: i haven't read the article yet...but will have time to tomorrow since i don't have any more hockey...

RichardS

That gets reeled out every now again.

Some time in the year 15,356 they may be right.

Nutmeg

:D

dora

Flat and dull in comparison with new media? Depends how you like your entertainment I suppose. Reading is a quiet solitary activity. Do we always want to be bombarded with voices on audio tapes, looking at a screen? It's an alternative that's all. Maybe it is old fashioned because it has been around a long time. So what. Doesn't spoil the enjoyment.

Stirling

Are they wheeling that nugget out again.

They work out how to do internality in films without resorting to voice overs, then I'll think about it.

Carol

A book you can imagine the characters as they come over to you, rather than a casting director saying we must have big stars play those parts.
Gimme a book any day.

ceka

Absolutely, a book any time.

robin1

If it was we would all be out of job or hobbie or whatever it is you call it.

To put it in laymans terms... we'd be buggered. Or we'd have to turn our hands to poetry...

Dwight

Well, I would have to say I enjoy a good film. A weepy romance, an action-packed thriller, good acting, good dialogue, a good musical score. A film is a lot quicker in its entirity then a book. But of course I get lost in the richness of books too, especially fiction. These are two related entities, or media, and they offer different enjoyment.

Chippy

The novel better not be dead - might flaw my plan of world domination via the mode of writing somewhat! ;)

I love reading - various genres - crime, thrillers, horror, chick lit, autobiographies.

I do like watching various programmes and films too but books are brilliant for situations that TV doesn't work with - on the train for instance! I love reading on train journeys - the only thing is I can't read on a bus or in the car - other than a map - it makes me feel sick for some reason! :rolleyes:

Stan2

I feel sick if I try reading in a car - it's more diffucult if I am driving

Kangaroo

I think a lot of people love novels too much to let it die. There's something about snuggling up in bed with a good book.

Tessadragon

Absolutely, Kangaroo!
As film4's been running a season of film adaptations, i watched a few, and they just couldn't compare to the books (though that said, i like the film version of Howl's Moving Castle somewhat more, just because it has a happy romantic ending).
However as good as books are, if no one's willing to extoll their virtues to the next generation then likely over time, the novel will die. I still support the idea that reading needs to be encouraged in schools a lot more and that more book events need to be held in schools, as it is often a case that you can't drag the horse to water (or the blacksmith, the way some kids kick up a fuss about it)

Stirling

My sister loves HMC too; although I think she prefers the book more.

I agree TD. This is why I like the idea of Readers. Maybe kids will be more likely to pick up a novel if it is something to download.

Scary fact: getting the bus to work last week I realised I was the only one holding a book. I used to remember travelling to work at Newcastle and it would be full of people reading.

Chippy

When I go to work in the morning everyone seems to have a copy of the Metro...but like I said I feel sick reading when I'm on the bus...

lexia

Ditto Chippy - I can't even look down at my lap for 5 seconds without feeling sick !

The day the novel is dead will be a very sad day for imagination.....

Col B

The novel dead? Not in my book (pardon the pun).

You can't beat the feel of a good novel in your hand, feeling the turn of the page as the pace picks up, revisiting characters you care and think about and anticipate meeting again on each sitting, whether it be on the beach, park bench or the loo (for the blokes).

We should ALL ensure the novel never dies!!!
;)

Stirling

I think I've been working to hard . . .

Does Col B have an heroic alter ego?

Stan2

!

Col B

Just thought that since I trust you all, it was time to unveil the mask and reveal my true identity!!!
;)
I can go back to Col B if it's thrown you...

Stan2

oh no - so that who he is!!

Col B

:) & :(

Stirling

So is that your real surname? Or a pseudonym?

Col B

Real. Nothing to hide.
Well...
:D

Stan2

:)

Stirling

So what is your special power then?

Nena

Up until now, I've always imagined you being an ex-army man (as in Colonel B) ! Oops!

Piper

Col, I know your name anyway...

Jenny

He might be Colonel Col!

Randomguy

The novel will never die. There are just too many ways to enjoy one. Since the written word, books, novels, whatever have entertained people for centuries. Even with the advent of computer technology rising up in every aspect of our lives, this still has not changed.

Long live the book! Long live the novel.

Stan2

^

Stirling

I picked up a book lately that was called 'Elizabethan Novels'.

Eh? The first novel was Robinson Crusoe in the 18th century. The editor needs shooting for that one!

Carol

Pity we can't name and shame...

forget-me-not

I thought the first novel was that 'Pamela'?

RichardS

If you Wiki it, there seem to be a few with a claim;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_novel_in_English

Mostly after Elizabeth, it has to be said..... ;-)