by Mike Klaassen

Created on: March 24, 2007   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

Book Review of
THE SOUND ON THE PAGE: Great Writers Talk about Style and Voice in Writing
By Ben Yagoda
2004, HarperCollins

AN INTERESTING READ

The Sound on the Page, by Ben Yagoda, is a fascinating look at the role of style in writing. Whether you are a fan of transparent style, distinctive style, or something in between, this one is worth studying.

The introduction provides an insightful look at the issue of style versus content (in fact, the introduction is worth the cost of owning the entire book). The first chapter provides a fascinating overview of the history of the issue from as far back as the ancient Greeks. The remaining chapters explore distinctive style from the perspective of many well-known authors. I found some interviews interesting; others I just skimmed through.

Critics may fault the book for failing to provide guidance on developing any particular style. But by the author's own admission, this book is not a how-to guide for writing or style. The author, however, clearly admires distinctive style at the expense of the more transparent style encouraged by Strunk and White in The Elements of Style.

The book doesn't reach any particular conclusion, but I found plenty of material worthy of further consideration. Bottom line: whether you are interested in literary works or popular writing, form or substance, matter or manner, this book is an interesting read.

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