One of the most surprising remarks I hear from readers is one I heard twice last week. In both instances, readers thanked me for handling Martin, the obsessive-compulsive protagonist of Something Missing, with “gentleness and respect” and “great decency” when writing about him.
Honestly, I’m not even sure if Martin is truly obsessive-compulsive. When I was writing the book, I thought that Martin’s methodical nature was merely a slightly elevated depiction of my own personal approach to life, but as people began reading, commenting, and reviewing the book, phrases like obsessive-compulsive and OCD were mentioned quite frequently, leading me to question my own nature.
Am I also obsessive-compulsive? Methodical, perhaps, but OCD? I don’t think so.
Either way, a surprising number of readers have expressed their appreciation for how Martin and his condition are portrayed in the novel, often using words like decency and respect when thanking me.
While respect and decency were not priorities as I was writing the book, an honest portrayal of the character was foremost in my mind as I was crafting the story, and perhaps it is to this that readers are reacting so positively.
I’m just happy that so many people love Martin as much as I do.
