How the Writer Did It (#1 in a Series)

the opening of Luis Alberto Urrea's GOODNIGHT, IRENE on Day 21 (!!) of the November Daily Write-Along

Frans Francken the Younger, The cabinet of a collector with paintings, shells, coins, fossils and flowers, 1619

Hi Writing Friends,

You know how you read a piece of writing and think, “How did the author do it?” Today’s letter is the first in a new series of craft chats on the beauty of a single work of literature, looking at some of the strategies the author uses to create an overall effect.

Today: the beginning of the novel Goodnight Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea.

Quick novel summary and context: Opening in 1943, the main character Irene joins the Red Cross during World War II, to be a Donut Dolly. We learn in a few pages that she is fleeing an abusive partner. She wants to help her country and make a life for herself outside of her family. And more.

As I listened to the opening of this book on my drive home from campus last night, I was so impressed with how Urrea gives context for the character’s situation, fits in war details without stiffness or in an info dump sort of way, and individualizes people, that I wanted to look immediately at how he does it. How does Urrea create such a sweeping portrait and landscape for the novel to ride into?

Let’s get to it!