You know, it’s funny. I didn’t notice the writing problems in RPO until I tried to read it out loud. Reading it to myself it was fine - I read fast and I tend to gloss over bits that are repetitive. Reading it out loud it was really obvious how often he tells instead of shows. So many passages like “I got up from my chair and walked 4 steps to the door. I turned the knob and opened it. I stepped out into the dark hallway and closed the door behind me. Slowly I walked to the end of the corridor and looked out the window.” It got ridiculous the way every single action was narrated.
I mean, I still liked it. It’s a lovely little best of the 80’s wish-fulfillment fantasy. But don’t read it aloud if you value your sanity.
