this post was submitted on 26 Aug 2025
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Do you need to read the notes in 'City' by Clifford Simak? (programming.dev)
submitted 3 months ago by Karl@programming.dev to c/books@lemmy.world
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I just decided to read this book and notices that there is a note on each chapter. Does it add to the story in some way? Is it at least interesting?

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[–] AbouBenAdhem@lemmy.world 4 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

I haven’t read the book, but according to the Wikipedia article, the “notes” contain a frame story meant to connect the other short stories together.^1^

  1. In general, I find that footnotes in academic writing are only worth reading if you want more information on the noted item, but footnotes in fiction are integral to the narrative (and are usually used to add another narrative voice distinct from the main narrator).
[–] Karl@programming.dev 0 points 3 months ago

Ok that's nice. Imma read them.

[–] ohulancutash@feddit.uk 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

If the book is that boring you’re under no obligation to finish it.

[–] Karl@programming.dev 0 points 3 months ago

Maybe the book itself isn't boring, but the notes probably are? I mean, nothing's stopping me from reading part of the book that's interesting.