Kennedy, A. L.: *1965
Looking for the Possible Dance, 1993 - Language/Style
- English Language Level: Difficult
- Vocabulary and Expressions – A. L. Kennedy often uses words and phrases that are not common in everyday English, requiring a broader vocabulary (e.g. “on the brink of making real contact”, “their faces would close with a sharp, wee look and they would push her back beyond their dignity”).
Sentence Structures – The sentences can be long, layered, and sometimes non-linear, which can challenge readers who are not advanced.
Subtlety and Literary Style – The text conveys meaning through implication, tone, and literary devices rather than straightforward statements, demanding higher comprehension skills.
Themes and Cultural References – The book explores emotional and social nuances that may be abstract or unfamiliar to learners of English (e.g. Inner conflict and self-reflection, ambiguous relationships).
- Vocabulary and Expressions – A. L. Kennedy often uses words and phrases that are not common in everyday English, requiring a broader vocabulary (e.g. “on the brink of making real contact”, “their faces would close with a sharp, wee look and they would push her back beyond their dignity”).
- Students with basic-to-intermediate English can read the novel, but they might need to look up or learn some musical terms to fully understand it.