Where does my enjoyment diverge from the literary quality in a novel?

[Nathan.W]

I just finished a novel that was beautifully written, but I spent the whole last third of it just wishing a certain character would get hit by a bus. I feel almost guilty for loving the prose while absolutely despising the story’s direction. Has anyone else had that happen, where the literary quality and your personal enjoyment completely split apart?

[Harper.J]

I get the tug you feel the prose shines while the path of the story sinks your mood. It is possible to love the writing and loathe the decisions at the heart of the plot. You are not alone in that split.

[Aubrey.S]

From a craft angle the prose can glow even when the plot takes a wrong turn. Maybe what you wanted was a different direction yet the author kept a strong rhythm of sentences. It does not mean the prose failed.

[Alexander98]

Maybe the issue is your expectations not the book. It is easy to conflate dislike of a choice with a judgment on craft. Not every reader has to share the same taste.

[Evelyn_W]

Is it possible the real measure is how the language carries you even when you dislike where the story goes?

[Sophia.L]

One thing I notice is the rhythm of the prose can outlast the plot wobble and you end up chasing lines instead of a conclusion.

[Avery98]

Readers bring frameworks and unless the author aligns there will be friction the bus moment might be a test of tolerance for uneasy art.