In the given statement, David Grann highlights a rare and remarkable fact about exceptional writers: there are only a handful of truly gifted individuals who excel in this field. This implies that while many people aspire to become great writers, few possess both the innate talent and the dedication required to stand out.
Delving deeper into Grann's observation, it becomes clear that he emphasizes the unique blend of natural ability and hard work necessary for achieving literary greatness. The phrase "count them on a hand" underscores just how rare this combination is. It suggests that being blessed with extraordinary writing skills alone isn't enough; these individuals must also have put in significant effort to hone their craft over years, making their achievements all the more exceptional.
David Grann is an accomplished writer and journalist known for his investigative work and narrative non-fiction books. His own experience as a distinguished author likely informs his perspective on the scarcity of truly gifted writers who can captivate readers with their prose and storytelling skills.
