I Found a Unique Novel: A Chinese Epistolary Novel
Normally, I read a lot of online novels. So, I read this amazing novel a few days ago.
The name of the novel was — 《乌鸦为什么像写字台》作者:玄笺. It’s one of the most unique novels I have read so far.
If you would like to look into the novel, do a quick Google search.
Why does this novel amaze me?
Firstly, take a look at it’s structure. The structure of this novel goes on like this:
Host: (Describes what happened.)
First Commenter: ...
Second Commenter: ...
Third Commenter: ...
Host: (Then what happened)
Another commenter: …
The host replies to the commenter: …
Another Commenter: …
Host: (Host proceeds)
It’s like a forum. Our main character describes her exchange with her crush in the forum. We get a first-hand experience of how her journey is going. We hear her emotions and her interaction with her crush. We get a real-time feeling. It feels more like watching her journey in real-time than like an already happened story
The comments of the audience create anticipation in us. We have the impression that we are part of a crowd, witnessing something incredible. It’s like we are taking part in her journey.
Here are some positive aspects:
- Originality: The online forum integration is a fresh take on storytelling, offering a unique way to unfold the narrative and engage the reader.
- Humor and Audience Connection: The forum comments adds humor and a sense of community, making the story more interactive and relatable.
- Exploration of Online Culture: The novel could delve into themes of online identity, communication, and the dynamics of online communities.
It’s also commendable how this novel tackled these potential challenges:
- Maintaining Narrative Focus: With so many voices potentially present (narrator, comments), it can be difficult to maintain a clear narrative focus and ensure the story flows smoothly. But the writer showed his/
- Overreliance on Humor: If the humor becomes excessive, it could detract from the emotional weight of the story.
- Balancing Online and Offline Elements: The novel needs to find a balance between the online forum interactions and the “real-world” events happening to the characters.
Is it an epistolary novel?
Yes, I wrote an article on the epistolary novel. Well, if you have not read, then -
An epistolary novel is a novel told entirely, or almost entirely, through a series of letters, emails, diary entries, or other written documents exchanged between characters.
It has all the content related to the epistolary novel. it’s a first-person narrative with online forum integration, which is itself a unique approach to modern novels.
I’m searching for more unique novels like this. If you have any, be sure to comment.
