First Impressions of Past Perfect

[jweinstein]

What do you make of Katie Schottland on first meeting her? How does her voice and persona jibe with what you imagine a CIA officer's to be? Are we being set up for a challenging take on the "spy novel" here? Do you think it's more "real?" Or merely different?

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Note: This discussion topic is particularly suitable for readers who have only read read the first part of Past Perfect, through p. 69. If your post includes a revelation from a later point in the novel, please include the word "Spoiler" in the subject line of your post.

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[KathyS]

First impressions of characters, at least for me, seem to change and unfold with each added piece of information. Listening to Katie's voice, in the first chapter, I hear certain words that put my imagination to work. I hear these words: Naive, hadn't a clue, preference for fantasy over reality, out of my element - wanting to delude herself....they lived happily ever after.

I found Katie in the midst of something she relly, really, REALLY didn't want to find herself mixed up in! I have this visual of someone who doesn't always go through life planning each step of the way. I wondered if she honestly was that naive woman she perceivies herself to be, or if it she was just in the habit of not giving herself enough credit for the really smart woman she actually is. As each chapter unfolds, I get a clearer perspective. I want to say, "Will the real Katie Schottland please stand up"!?

I have to stop here and tell Susan, one of the many things I like about your writing is, I honestly can't 'race' through your novels. I find with each page I turn, there is always something more to digest. I get this mental picture of the proverbial box of chocolates - each box being a page, and each piece of chocolate becoming words of complex flavors. Definately something to savor. I've never run across another novelist who writes the way you do. Kudos!

[jweinstein]

KathyS,

Any chance that it's this chameleon nature of our Katie that makes her ripe for being central to such a tale?

Some folks seem to roll with the punches, not explicitly staking our turf, but moving forward inch by inch. Do you think that this describes Katie?

-Jerry the Mod(erator)

[Susani]

Hi Kathy. Thanks for the kind words about my work! Susan

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KathyS wrote:
First impressions of char acters, at least for me, seem to change and unfold with each added piece of information. Listening to Katie's voice, in the first chapter, I hear certain words that put my imagination to work. I hear these words: Naive, hadn't a clue, preference for fantasy over reality, out of my element - wanting to delude herself....they lived happily ever after.

I found Katie in the midst of something she relly, really, REALLY didn't want to find herself mixed up in! I have this visual of someone who doesn't always go through life planning each step of the way. I wondered if she honestly was that naive woman she perceivies herself to be, or if it she was just in the habit of not giving herself enough credit for the really smart woman she actually is. As each chapter unfolds, I get a clearer perspective. I want to say, "Will the real Katie Schottland please stand up"!?

I have to stop here and tell Susan, one of the many things I like about your writing is, I honestly can't 'race' through your novels. I find with each page I turn, there is always something more to digest. I get this mental picture of the proverbial box of chocolates - each box being a page, and each piece of chocolate becoming words of complex flavors. Definately something to savor. I've never run across another novelist who writes the way you do. Kudos!

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[KathyS]

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jweinstein wrote:
KathyS,

Any chance that it's this chameleon nature of our Katie that makes her ripe for being central to such a tale?

Some folks seem to roll with the punches, not explicitly staking our turf, but moving forward inch by inch. Do you think that this describes Katie?

-Jerry the Mod(erator)

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Jerry,
I'm not sure if I would describe her as a chameleon, she doesn't really assume natures, as much as she appears unsure of those natures and where they will take her. I can't out rule her naievte, it still comes into play with her. I think she's trusting, and questions everything, including herself. She really is a contradition at times!

It's interesting when you have a character where you can 'hear' every word and thought they have or ever had! I find you learn a lot (about) from Katie, as she learns about herself.

[kiakar]

My first impression was "oh! boy!" am I reading a winner here! Susan can bellow the phrases out like rain in a thunder storm. I have to read them twice. I wonder, "where did she get that?" And Katie seems to be the product of a AHD child. Her mind wonders in all kinds of directions and in itself is mindboddling to keep up with her. It seems with this character, it is nothing that she misses, her mind is really set in the Jet Age or Space Age. She is flying high discovering secrets that the average Joe wouldn't even bat a eye at. I am almost finished. It is a great book!

[Susani]

What an interesting take on Katie. Thanks. After a couple of years of sitting alone and writing a novel, it's great to hear what readers have to say.

[lovetoread]

Hi Susan,

Katie is a hoot. I think she longs for adventure, but also for closure, and you perfectly describe all the insecurities and longings that she has as she contemplates her next move in the mystery.....well-done!

[Susani]

Thanks. I think you've got it exactly right!

[jweinstein]

Someone who is garrulous and insecure might have something to hide as well. Did any of you think it was a cover?

-Jerry the Mod(erator)