2018/45: Voyager -- Diana Gabaldon

2018/45: Voyager -- Diana Gabaldon

"Do you think that the size of the book is justified by the complexity of the story?" Grey asked ...
"What is it -- twelve hundred pages? Aye, I think so. After all, it is difficult to sum up the complications of a life in a short space with any hope of constructing an accurate account."
"True. I have heard the point made, though, that the novelist's skill lies in the artful selection of detail. Do you not suppose that a volume of such length may indicate a lack of discipline in such selection, and hence a lack of skill?"
"...In this case ... I think it isna so. Each character is most carefully considered, and all the incidents chosen seem necessary to the story." [p. 168. Jamie and John are discussing Samuel Richardson's Pamela -- or are they?!]

( not spoilery )