similarities with other authors

[Chrysalis]

I have recently finished the first book in The Man Who series. Until then had only read a few of SRD’s short stories to date.
One thing that kept being brought to mind was how it reminded me of another book I had read by Dennis Lehane(Prayers for Rain) Just the feel of the main male character had a few similarities in my mind among other things.
Was wondering if anyone had noticed this or had noticed any other similarities with other authors?

[Dragonlily]

I heard Dennis Lehane do a reading from SHUTTER ISLAND. I haven't read the book yet, but I thought the style had a sensibility similar to the Thomas Covenant series, yes.

Regarding similarities to SRD's mysteries, my general impression is that SRD was trying to do something similar to the gumshoe (or hardboiled) genre, but bringing his genius to that mood and character type created a result different from other authors.

On surface, MAN WHO isn't as moody as SHUTTER ISLAND, for example. But once you get inside Brew (which is immediately), you get the total "witches' cauldron" effect. Brew's description, not mine.

[Chrysalis]

I haven't yet read the Chronicles so will be interested to see if I find more similarities there. It was definatly the general feel of the first book more so than anything specific I can pinpoint that made me think of Prayers for Rain. I have a copy of Shutter Island here to read(Sort of got sidetracked with The Man Who omnibus) Did find that with Dennis Lehane I was unable to get into a couple of his books and yet with SRD I have had no problem with them. I enjoy the style of writing for his set of crime books at least. Have yet to see if I shall attempt the Chronicles or the Gap series next though....

[Dragonlily]

I get the impression SRD's writing style in the mysteries is more sparse than Lehane's or James Ellroy's -- Will enjoy hearing your opinion comparing SRD to Ellroy, Chrysalis. Aside from SRD being more sane, that is.

Ellroy turns day to night from the sheer density of his words. But then, night is what he wanted all along. Brew wants night, but SRD makes him look day right in its sunny face and find it illusory, before SRD will let him have the night he craves. A braver approach.

[Sounds good, but what does it mean? ]

[Chrysalis]

I agree that SRD's writing style may be a bit more sparse than Lehane's -will have to grab a copy of something by Ellroy at work though in order to compare those two. Although why do you say he is more sane? Ellroy is an author I am not familiar with at all even though I have seen his books about.

Although considering SRD's true calling seems to be with his fantasy/sci-fi writing his mysteries are not bad at all. But that shows a truely talented writer i guess

[Dragonlily]

I agree that SRD's writing style may be a bit more sparse than Lehane's

Only in the mysteries, Chrysalis. You'll see what I mean in the Chronicles and the Gap -- if you aren't already floored and struck blind by them.

Although considering SRD's true calling seems to be with his fantasy/sci-fi writing his mysteries are not bad at all. But that shows a truely talented writer i guess

The ability to visualize and see through characters holds true no matter what style he is writing in.

will have to grab a copy of something by Ellroy at work though in order to compare those two. Although why do you say he is more sane?

Ellroy is known for being a little crazy. It's an asset in his writing, but can disconcert fans at signings, at times when he jitters and mutters incoherently. That's according to a woman I know who was one of those fans. At other times, such as the talk show I saw him on, he is an inspired extemporaneous speaker.