Recently I've read two books. From reviews & especially twitter feedback I was prepared for both being real tearjerkers & to have the tissues ready. They were If I Stay by Gayle Forman and The Dead Wife's Handbook by Hannah Beckerman. I enjoyed both books but didn't think they were outstanding and at no point did my eyes water & my heart strings were not pulled.
It got me thinking that emotional scenes obviously effect us all differently I don't think I've ever cried reading a book and I love reading & have read hundreds. Even older books like My Sisters Keeper and The Lovely Bones left me dry eyed although I absolutely loved both & felt the emotion.
I've recently watched the new BBC1 drama In The Club & again twitter was full of people saying how emotional it was. I enjoyed the series but the only scene that made me feel emotional was Will Mellor's character asking to keep the photo of his children. I think Will Mellor played a brilliant part especially considering he is well known for 'two pints of larger and a packet of crisps' which couldn't be more different. Anyway slightly getting off topic!!!
I'm not sure if because I already have children I found it less emotional. I have been in the delivery room, held a newborn etc. I kept getting distracted by minor issues. I know its a drama & things are exaggerated but I kept thinking you can't just run onto a labour ward? Who walks out with a newborn with perfect makeup & clothes? Why are they all so slim within days of giving birth? Maybe I'm too cynical ha ha!!!
I'm not completely heartless as a child I blubbed over many a film/programme. I got upset at the cinema watching Never Ending Story (the horse scene), cried watching Tarzan and an episode of Lassie where a dog died. As an adult I've been known to shed a tear watching Call the Midwife and an episode of The Royle Family where Barbara was doing Nana's hair had me sobbing my heart out.
I think as I've got older maybe real life and my cynical side mean I don't really cry as easily and books have never really had that power over me. I've recently been working on my own Book 2 and it has an emotional end scene. I was thrilled that a beta reader said it tugged at her heart strings. I wonder what others will think when its released.
What do you think?
Do you cry reading emotional scenes?
Emma
xxx
