This whole book-reviewing thing has been eye-opening for me in many ways. Based on feedback from authors, I sometimes find myself dwelling on some point, and then I post a question on here to get others' advice!
So here is my current "thing": I recently reviewed a suspense/thriller. One thing I commented on in my
review was the prevalence of dependent clauses/sentence fragments masquerading as sentences. As is my standard, I put the review on Goodreads and Amazon, and the author commented on both reviews to give a little
feedback of his own (which I think is a great way for an author to clarify his or her motivations, etc).
Since he did not post his comment on my blog review, I updated my review to add a bit about his feedback and a further comment of my own. Basically, he was indicating that his sentence fragments were purposeful as a technique to add to the plot of a thriller- quick, little jabs. My response? I actually really like quick, little jabs and think they add to a story such as this, but I felt many of his were more like sentences missing a noun. They didn't feel quick or little to me, they felt like unfinished sentences. I did not post that in response to his comments on my other reviews, as I don't think it's necessary or proper, but I did put it on my blog because I wanted to explain my own thoughts on it.
So I guess what I'm asking here (FINALLY, she gets to the question!
) is: Do you notice sentence fragments such as these when you read? Do you like them in stories like these, and is there a limit to how frequently you want to see them? Do they have to be short fragments or does length matter?
I guess my real question is whether I'm alone in this (or crazy).
Where I think it's not great:
She was the one that had let them down with her rush to publish. With her overwhelming need for recognition
Where I think it's ok:
The door flew open and there he stood. Tek. No smile today. All business.