On vacation I read Thrity Umrigar‘s new novel, The Weight of Heaven. Besides being a sensitive and thrilling read that addresses both personal and relevant global issues, I, a writer, learned much from Umrigar who is thoroughly seasoned in this profession.
A journalist turned novelist, who teaches creative writing at Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio, Umrigar’s career exemplifies how constant writing and having to meet deadlines hones one’s muscle for writing in other genres.
Umrigar’s work is a living testament that we learn to write by writing.
While centered on Frank Benton, the plot and narrative line for The Weight of Heaven, closely follows Frank’s wife.
Throughout the work Umrigar provides Ellie’s thoughts as well as Franks, oftentimes interweaving them with such clarity and displaying the mental side of marriage.
In some sense Frank’s marriage to Ellie can be seen as the protagonist. Yet and still, and for didactic purposes, Frank is the central character. Yet while like Ellie he suffers, perhaps more, Frank is clearly the character who undergoes the greatest change.
I have written two novels about married couples. My dilemma in revising and preparing them for publication has centered on choosing which spouse in each of the married couples will be the protagonist of the story.
While a novel can be delivered through two points of view, the protagonist must be the person who undergoes the greatest change.
Reading Umrigar’s The Weight of Heaven showed me how this is done. The outcome of the book, which I highly recommend for a good summer read, shows why Umrigar chose Frank as her protagonist.
Just as I love writing about married couples, I also love reading about them.
Reading stories on subjects we love and from authors we admire offers a wealth of enjoyment and learning.
Who are your favorite authors?
What aspect of writing do you love about your favorite author?