By Rose Tremain . But the most compelling fiction has an even greater quality, which is the authority of its voice.
Authority depends on the writer's control of language.
Telephones did not ring. Along the radio airwaves came only hushed white noise. In the street markets, the selling of nylons paused. In the Ritz, the serving of luncheon was temporarily suspended. The waiters stood to attention with napkins folded over their arms.