Lately I've read several books that follow a similar theme. There are two related stories, or two points of view that the author jumps back and forth between while weaving the novel together. It's an interesting way to lay out a book. The jump back and forth gives the reader a break from continuous action. It also builds curiosity as the reader waits to get back to "the other story" that is going on. Plus, it's usually interesting how the two different stories mesh together and compliment each other. Here are some examples of this style of book:
More Than You Know: The book I am currently reading tells an old woman's story from her youth and also the story of a different young woman that lived 100 years earlier. Events in the earlier young woman's life impacted the youth of the later woman. The chapters alternate between each story.
The Preacher's Daughter: For the first half of the book it jumps between the Amish girl's life and the rich non-Amish girl that is her pen pal. Then the rich girl comes to stay with the Amish girl and from then out the story does not jump back and forth.
The Time-Traveler's Wife: Young Henry, old Henry, his wife, this book jumps around more than a jack rabbit on steroids. Events are told multiple times from lots of different viewpoints.
The Stolen Child: This book alternates chapters between the child that is stolen and the hobgobblin that takes his place.
It seems this style of book is becoming more and more common. Personally, I think it would be easier to write this way than to lay out the entire novel in real time. It adds a bit of spark to the story that keeps it fresh and inviting. But maybe some people find it annoying. What do you think?
1 comment:
I like the different narrative style. I think it works for some stories and not as well for others. Dan Brown does it a little bit in his books just to keep you interested. Essentially, it allows more than one main character to speak in first person, which I think is great.
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