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Two Robert Ludlum Books
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By Jaret, Section Diaries
Posted on Tue Sep 3rd, 2002 at 03:44:23 AM EST
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I intend to track my reading (among other things) here on 4Literature. I decided to make a few remarks in a personal and casual style about the books I've read this week, so I thought I'd make my first diary entry.
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I've read two Robert Ludlum books in the past week (my fourth and fifth total). If you aren't familiar with his work, he writes spy/adventure novels. After the fourth one, I was quite ready to make an entry stating how predictable they are. Well, perhaps predictable isn't the right word. Each has far more twists and turns in the plot than anything else I've read. However, each seemed to fit a predictable pattern which I won't be too specific about because I don't want to ruin the surprise in those that violate that pattern. The ending of number five violated that pattern, which was refreshing.
As much as I enjoy reading a Ludlum novel, I feel a bit guilty afterwards, which in turn makes me feel foolish. The guilt arises from the belief that I better myself by reading. Reading a Ludlum novel does not better me as much as some "masterpieces" would, except in the art of spycraft. I then feel foolish for feeling vague guilt over something I enjoy. Isn't enjoyment enough? It should be. Relaxation is merit in itself.
I recently wrote this essay in which I stress that plot is almost irrelevant in a Shakespearean comedy; instead, the poetry and wit are the reason for reading. The opposite is certainly true of a Robert Ludlum novel. He's a competent writer, but his words are tools, not melodies. His plots, however, are labyrinthine, ultimately culminating in a confontation between Theseus and the Minotaur.
I'm debating what to read next. Silas Marner has come highly recommended. I also have a couple more unread Ludlum books and science fiction anthologies. Or, perhaps some non-fiction, since I've read mostly fiction lately.
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