I’ll start: Ernest Hemingway.
I have a ton of respect for him, he influenced so many writers and the craft of writing, and he lived a fascinating life. But I just find his books to be so damned dry. I love simplicity but I just feel like there’s no voice or soul in any of his books. There’s experiences but I don’t feel any passion or something that moves my heart. I guess his topics just aren’t for me.
What about all of you?
Sylvia Plath. She’s a wildly controversial poet and I’m fascinated by her biography, especially since it’s so well documented by her journals and letters. Much of her writing uses metaphors and cultural references that are not the most delicate or accurate to say the least. She was also quite villanized by Ted Hughes after her death which helped to tarnish her reputation as well.
So much to think about.