Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers

The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers
tiffanyak avatar reviewed on + 215 more book reviews


There is some stuff in this book that is quite good and compelling, but it is ultimately soured a bit by the fact that Gardner is rather convinced of his own genius. By this I mean, he's quite full of himself. This makes it a very annoying and even infuriating book to read at points, though there is much reward to be found in sticking it out. I recommend reading this one over a span of time, in pieces, rather than in one sitting, to allow time to really reflect on what you wish to take from it, as well as to be able to plow through the tougher parts.