“When I first decided I wanted to be a writer, when I was 10, 11 years old, the books that I loved…came with maps and glossaries and timelines—books like Lord Of The Rings, Dune, The Chronicles Of Narnia. I imagined that’s what being a writer was: You invented a world, and you did it in a very detailed way, and you told stories that were set in that world.”
– Michael Chabon, Interview with the AV Club
Believe it or not, I’ve never read anything by Michael Chabon, save for his great introduction to the McSweeney’s Thrilling Tales collection. (This seems particularly pathetic because Wonder Boys happens to be one of my favorite movies.) But, at the beach this year I’m gonna to read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, and Meg’s gonna read The Yiddish Policemen’s Union.
Chabon was probably the author I most wanted to emulate, back when I was a college student and in creative writing classes. I loved The Mysteries of Pittsburgh and the short stories he’d written up to that point, and aped them without really understanding how much he was ripping off of people like John Cheever.
That said, I still think he’s a great writer, have STILL not finish Kavalier & Clay (despite Sally repeatedly telling me I had to read it, and starting it a half dozen times), and I think the novel for Wonder Boys is about 10x better than the movie. None of those actors remotely fit the image I had in my mind for the characters, other than maybe Tobey Maguire.
I emailed Chabon the weekend that the Wonder Boys movie came out and he actually responded! I wish I had kept that.
I’ve heard nothing but good things about Kavalier & Clay, so I’m really excited. If I dig it, I’ll probably read his other novels, as lots of other folks I know love his stuff. I haven’t been reading novels in general lately, so it’ll be a switch…
Gotta print out those e-mails!!
As you know I loved K&C, and I thought The YPU was terrific, too. Chabon’s just really, really good at writing novels. Right now I’m halfway through Summerlands, which is swell even though it’s not his usual fare. That’s the one where the worldbuilding is most like Tolkein’s.
I’m really, really looking forward to K&C
Hearing all this talk of the new Chabon release makes me a little sad…
A year ago, I would have been thrilled and no doubt attended his book signing. He’s been my favorite author since I first read his debut novel THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH back in the early 90s.
But I can no longer support the work of an author who has no regard for the story and characters that put him on the literary map.
In case you haven’t heard, there’s a film version of MOP coming out later this year… Written and directed by the guy who brought us DODGEBALL, in which he’s CHANGED 85% of Chabon’s original story.
And the sad part is… Michael Chabon himself APPROVED of the script! WHY would he do this? I can only think of one possible answer: $$
If you are a Chabon fan, esp MOP, I suggest you do NOT see this movie. You will be sadly disappointed at the COMPLETE removal of the gay character, Arthur Lecomte, and the fabrication of a romantic love triangle between Art Bechstein, Jane Bellwether, and a bi-sexual Cleveland Arning. And really, what is MOP without the presence of Phlox Lombardi? Alas, she’s barely in it.
For a copy of the script email: bechstein[at]yahoo[dot]com
Hey Franq –
I appreciate your position, and understand why you might be upset by one of your favorite books being made into a less-than-great movie.
On the other hand, I don’t blame any author for siding with $$. Gotta pay the bills.
As for feeling betrayed by Mr. Chabon, Bob Dylan once said, “Just because you like my stuff doesn’t mean I owe you anything.”
I probably won’t go see the movie, just because I don’t go see many movies, and I’ve never read MOP.
Best,
Austin
also, I think Tim’s post pretty much had this covered:
http://tewalkerjr.com/blog/?p=568
k&c is amazing…. unfortunately have yet to get to anything else he wrote. ah, so many books so little time. and thanks for: “Just because you like my stuff doesn’t mean I owe you anything.???
I just got back (from second trip to tejas in a very brief time – and both were car trips – 80+ hours of driving within 2 weeks – yeah insane) and catching up on your site….unbelievably green down there! too weird! cleveland looks more like texas for this time of year than texas does I might say. you have a good move whenever that happens.
thanks, kim!