Crafting Engrossing Narratives for Literature

In the world of literature, some authors dare to challenge the reader's sense of reality, and Doug Lewars is one such writer. Known for his thirteen published books on Smashwords.com, Lewars discusses a complex technique in a recent guest post, which he believes is a valuable approach when crafting stories that delve deeply into the human psyche.

One such novel that employs this technique is 'Bellevue Square' by Michael Redhill, a book that won the prestigious Giller Prize. The story revolves around a protagonist who operates a bookstore and encounters sightings of someone who looks exactly like her. As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist is forced to question her memory and sense of reality, a feeling that the reader will undoubtedly share.

The key-finding incident in the novel could be explained by a boy hiding behind a nearby hedge, but the exact occurrence remains uncertain. This ambiguity is a hallmark of Lewars' technique, adding to the overall sense of unreality. The protagonist's memory is further challenged, with purchases not found as expected, and the story may retell parts of itself to increase this confusion.

Contradictory input from other characters adds to the protagonist's confusion and that of the reader. For instance, a radio news report is heard at different times, creating a disorientating effect. The techniques used in the novel may work best when written in the first person, although it might be more challenging in the third person.

The novel also incorporates a few possible hallucinations into the protagonist's experience, further blurring the lines between reality and fiction. These complexities may confuse and possibly frustrate the reader, but they will begin to experience the same sense of unreality felt by the main character.

It's worth noting that Doug Lewars, in his discussion of these techniques, does not cite any specific authors who have employed similar approaches in their works. However, it's clear that this technique of immersing the reader in a confused mental state is not a common one, making it all the more intriguing.

As Lewars approaches the summit of his literary career, he continues to push the boundaries of what can be achieved in storytelling. His work serves as a reminder that literature has the power to challenge our perceptions and force us to question our reality. So, the next time you find yourself lost in a book, remember, it might not just be the characters who are confused.