And I'm sure it's not a strict duality, just a way to think about the most intense moments or where the pleasure is found most deeply by readers partial to one genre over another. This is a conversation I'd like to keep having!
I often find my mind wandering during the clues/mystery portion of a book because I'm so about the character, and my emotions are heightened because I'm concerned about them, not the actual mystery details. I've read some Very Popular Thrillers that are well beyond whatever my brain could come up with plotwise, but I don't love them, and I think I see now why others do. One is not better than the other (and I knew that), but it's just, what do you respond to.
I just loved this post so so so much. I think the two biggest questions about White Lotus are: what IS it, and why does watching rich people behave badly on vacation make ME want to go on vacation?!
To which I'll add my non-literary question from season two--hey people, how can you stand to go on vacation in a 4-person group and keep seeing each other at *every* meal? If I were Harper (Aubrey Plaza) I would have put an end to that arrangement by day 2. I'd be the one saying, "Sorry--doing my own snorkel trip and heading to restaurants in town. See you laterrrrr!" And if I were one of the kids from season 1, I would have said, "No, Mom. I'm skipping breakfast. End of story." (I did love how the son went out to the beach to sleep and got involved with the group of paddlers.)
Um. You two ladies did not grow up in the Midwest, I'm guessing. I would have the exact same reaction inside but would probably now have a timeshare with these people and be their child's godmother.
I love the idea that suspense is about emotion and mystery is about intellect. Gah! I will think about that for a long time.
And I'm sure it's not a strict duality, just a way to think about the most intense moments or where the pleasure is found most deeply by readers partial to one genre over another. This is a conversation I'd like to keep having!
I often find my mind wandering during the clues/mystery portion of a book because I'm so about the character, and my emotions are heightened because I'm concerned about them, not the actual mystery details. I've read some Very Popular Thrillers that are well beyond whatever my brain could come up with plotwise, but I don't love them, and I think I see now why others do. One is not better than the other (and I knew that), but it's just, what do you respond to.
Wow, thank you for this incredible breakdown! This has me thinking about suspense vs mystery in a totally new way.
So glad it was useful for you!
I just loved this post so so so much. I think the two biggest questions about White Lotus are: what IS it, and why does watching rich people behave badly on vacation make ME want to go on vacation?!
To which I'll add my non-literary question from season two--hey people, how can you stand to go on vacation in a 4-person group and keep seeing each other at *every* meal? If I were Harper (Aubrey Plaza) I would have put an end to that arrangement by day 2. I'd be the one saying, "Sorry--doing my own snorkel trip and heading to restaurants in town. See you laterrrrr!" And if I were one of the kids from season 1, I would have said, "No, Mom. I'm skipping breakfast. End of story." (I did love how the son went out to the beach to sleep and got involved with the group of paddlers.)
Um. You two ladies did not grow up in the Midwest, I'm guessing. I would have the exact same reaction inside but would probably now have a timeshare with these people and be their child's godmother.
Love this! But I DID grow up in the Midwest. And then left. I need to relearn that sorta Wisconsin level patience.
OMG YES I had the same reaction. Shut it down!