There are people who believe in an absolutely transparent prose; with every respect for clarity of expression, I don't.
John M. FordWell, it's an adventure story, and a Bildungsroman, of course, but there was also the intention to describe a culture that had been seen in rather narrow terms.
John M. FordThe language fictional characters use is chosen for effect, at least if the author is concentrating.
John M. FordI long for the simplicity of theatre. I want lessons learned, comeuppances delivered, people sorted out, all before your bladder gets distractingly full. That's what I want. What I know is what we all know, whether we'll admit it or not: every attempt to impose the roundness of a well-made play on reality produces a disaster. Life just isn't so, nor will it be made so.
John M. Ford