Some novels published in recent years have a new pattern. Instead of telling a story chronologically, chapters can go back and forth in time. It is helpful that a date is placed at the beginning of a chapter. Still, sometimes I am confused.
I have also read books with several main characters with a whole cast of minor characters. I can’t keep track of all the characters and have to turn back, leafing through the pages to recall the character. I met someone who takes notes as she reads a novel.
Sometimes it is information overload. I learn and I get the message and yet . . .
The goal of a novel is to tell a story. When I am carried forward by a story, able to feel the setting and know the characters it is a bit of magic.
Currently I am reading a historical novel about a nurse who was at the military base near Pearl Harbor when the bombs were dropped in 1941. It based on the true-life story of U.S. Army Lieutenant Annie Fox. The Woman with the Purple Heart is by Diane Hanks. I am appreciating the chronological telling of the story.
Have you read a novel recently? What are your thoughts?
Image by congerdesign from Pixabay
Sharing this post with the Five Minute Friday writing community. Today’s prompt is: SPOIL Also linking with Sweet Tea and Friends and Senior Salon Pit Stop .
I haven’t read any novels that go back and forth yet. I do have some sitting in my Amazon wishlist though. I’m reading the Irish Boarding House right now.
Thanks bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.
the going back and forth in time is hard, particularly when I do most of my reading via audio book. Some folks narrate the back and forth well, but many do not.
But I don’t mind the books with tons of characters, as long as they are distinct, if they muddy it up with too much similarities I tend to lose my focus.
Your most recent read sounds interesting, hopefully reviews I read won’t spoil the story in the end. 🙂
FMF17
I learned things about Hawaii during WWII–the book is well researched.
It can be confusing when a story goes back and forth in time. I notice this even in TV shows or movies at times. It sure keeps me on my toes and paying attention though as I don’t want to miss anything 🙂
Yes, it takes more concentration. Thanks for visiting!
I agree, it can be confusing at times when the story is not told chronologically. I have read books where it has worked well – mostly moving back and forward between two timeframes – and the story has been revealed in a very clever way, but I read another book where the story was told backwards, and I struggled with this.
I agree, there are some books where it works well.
I love this post. Yes I agree with you, I think it’s confusing when novels go back and forward in time, rather than telling the story in chronological order. I sometimes skip those back in time chapters, because it makes it harder to follow the main story, but then I miss stuff along the way.
God bless.
If it is historical fiction, I feel compelled to catch the details–but I’m a little frustrated to keep paging back. Thanks for visiting!