c/books · by Karl@programming.dev · 349d

Do you need to read the notes in 'City' by Clifford Simak?

I just decided to read this book and notices that there is a note on each chapter. Does it add to the story in some way? Is it at least interesting?

8 points · 4 comments · view on lemmy.world

4 Comments

AbouBenAdhem@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 349d (1 reply)

I haven’t read the book, but according to the Wikipedia article, the “notes” contain a frame story meant to connect the other short stories together.^1^

In general, I find that footnotes in academic writing are only worth reading if you want more information on the noted item, but footnotes in fiction are integral to the narrative (and are usually used to add another narrative voice distinct from the main narrator).

Karl@programming.dev · 0 pts · 349d

Ok that's nice. Imma read them.

ohulancutash@feddit.uk · 2 pts · 349d (1 reply)

If the book is that boring you’re under no obligation to finish it.

Karl@programming.dev · 0 pts · 349d

Maybe the book itself isn't boring, but the notes probably are? I mean, nothing's stopping me from reading part of the book that's interesting.