I wondered if you'd have a look at this and tell me what you think

Second Person narrative

Ahem..

Preaching to the converted I'm afraid Geoff. Managed to get to the second paragraph before I remembered why I hated the second person.


<Added>

- can't define it, it just set my teeth on edge.

The second person can be quite enticing when used very sparingly. For example Patrick White often uses it in place of "he" or "she" to involve the reader. Instead of saying: e.g. "He felt as if he was falling..." he sometimes wrote: "You felt as if you were falling..." must be skilfully used of course - and not overdone.

But I must admit long passages of it is rather tiresome, as if you are constantly being given directions by a supernatural entity - or being hypnotised...."you are getting very sleepy....you are standing in the rain...."

I keep wanting to shout "stop giving me orders!"

It does little for me, but I don't reckon it's the use of the second person as such that is the problem. Can't explain why not in few enough words, but compare McInerney's Bright Lights, Big City - the second person works well there - and the point should come clear.

Rupe