Quote:
Originally Posted by carld
As long as the writer tells me a good story, and presents it with a reasonable amount of skill I'll forgive a lot. Sometimes you'll get lucky and you'll get both, but I'll put up with less than stellar writing if the story grabs me.
I've tossed a few books because the author suddenly exposed an unexpected hatred (racism, homophobia, misogyny etc.). That hasn't happened lately. I think the prevalence of online reviews has helped me make more informed choices about the books I'm considering.
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These are distasteful subjects, to be sure.
However, I make a distinction between these 'characteristics' coming out of a character's mouth, as opposed to being expressive of the author's views.
If a character's behavior demonstrates that these negatives are coming from a character's belief system and/or through upbringing, then I find it vitally important to recognize that this is the character expressing his or her views (as distasteful as they may be) - and not from the author.
I totally agree with you that when these belief systems emanate from the author, then I toss the book aside.
Don