I've noticed a paradox in some Christian fiction books recently. It manifested in The Legend of the Firefish by George Bryan Polivka and The Shadow and Night by Chris Walley. It presents an interesting conundrum for those who pursue writing Christian fiction. It really strikes at the heart of how to write effective, engaging fiction, and it has the potential to create a couple of theoretical camps in this realm of fiction.
Now that I've been melodramatic, what does crazy Jason have in mind? Well, I'm not ready to say. But any good product finds a way to create some buzz. I'm hoping that dropping a little teaser will have people wonder what those two books have in common that may portend what I'm talking about.
If anyone has any thoughts, feel free to post comments and I'll be back in a couple days to open up what I want to discuss.
See you then...
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Here's my guess, not being a fantasy reader at all, but I'll guess that Polivka's book is direct in portraying Christianity within the story, and the second author does not directly deal with it, perhaps only suggesting some godly principles through the story. How'd I do?
ReplyDelete*BZZT*
ReplyDeleteWrong answer, but thank you for playing! Actually, I'm looking for a common link between the two books.
I should have my first part of my answer by Friday at the latest. Course, lately I've learned to not guarantee anything on this blog :(
And truly, thanks for your try Nicole. Not bad. Now, about your lovely parting gift...
Please, no Cowboy paraphernalia!
ReplyDeleteI'll take a stab at it, though I've only read part of The Shadow and Night. Both books take Christianity out of normal confines by having a speculative world with a very real God. The Legend of the Firefish places what appears to be 19th century Christianity right in the middle of the author's created world. The Shadow and Night has humankind living through thousands of years without sin.
ReplyDeleteLegend of Firefish is on my bookshelf. Haven't gotten round to reading it yet...
ReplyDeleteCowboys stuff? I hadn't thought of that. :P
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't want to let such treasures go to someone who wouldn't truly appreciate them though. So sorry Nicole, it won't be that.