Big Projects

What is the most impressive feat: publishing two great books over approximately 15-20 years or several very good (and bestselling) books over about the same period? Of course the distinction between great and very good is in the eyes of the beholder but it is still an interesting questions to m e as I finish reading the new book by Laura Hillenbrand, Unbroken, which is the story of Louis Zamperini.

The book is tremendous as Hillenbrand is one of the best storytellers of non-fiction I have read (don't take my word for it, here is a take from NPR). Yet, this accomplished writer has published just two books--the first one was Seabiscuit in 2001. She spent seven plus years writing the next book and reading the acknowledgements it is a wonder she could write this book at all. In addition to conducting over 75 interviews with the principal, Zamperini, she involved dozens of people in the project in order to get the story and authenticate it. The main part of the story takes place during WWII and over multiple continents. She had to learn about things like B-24 navigation and the technology of bomb dropping along with gaining a more nuanced understanding of Japanese culture.

The effort seems so enormous and much more than simply being able to write well. Research is a huge part -- in fact I wonder if she is not a researcher who happens to write very well. Even more impressive is how she is able to engage others in the project. Important things cannot be done alone and she gains the help of many, many people who probably got paid nothing for their help except to be part of something they believed important and worthwhile.

I am impressed with accomplishment by Hillenbrand of seeing a large project through to such a successful end. I have also been impressed by the output of prolific writers like Tom Clancy and James Michener who would put out a novel (historical fiction) every 18-24 months. While their work also took research to make the fiction authentic, Hillenbrand did not have the license they had and still wove a great tale. I vote for plodders over the profligate.