The most easily noticeable element of Ann Beattie’s prose style is how incredibly simple and pared back it is. When reading one of her stories, it’s very unlikely to come across lengthy, poetic descriptions of people and places, or find dialogue that people wouldn’t say in real life. When her characters speak, it’s always ‘he said’ or ‘she said’, no matter what the emotions are behind their words. For some readers, the intentionally plain writing style is a barrier of entry, since they want expressive prose that feels like its speaking to them.