Active Users:430 Time:04/04/2025 07:32:15 PM
I think because of our cynical nature Ryan Send a noteboard - 19/03/2010 06:58:05 AM
That when we go into a book, we want to trust the narrator to guide us through this new/strange world. However, I think that here and there an unreliable narrator, or even a misinformed one, is useful too, and can be fun.

Up to the point of Lord of Chaos fans of the WHeel of Time will remember that Stilling/Gentling could not be Healed. It was one of the truths of the world. Nynaeve Healing Logain is a memorable scene for me because we had the rug pulled out from under us, even with the heavy forshadowing leading up to it.

So yes, I think it is a good thing if the unreliable narator is done well, and not just used as a deus ex machina, by the author for potential mishaps.
The past is just that, the past. You can only truly live by looking to the future!
Reply to message
Unreliable narrators: yay or nay? Or neigh? And if so, and you are a horse, how are you typing? - 12/03/2010 05:20:09 AM 841 Views
Re: Unreliable narrators: yay or nay? Or neigh? And if so, and you are a horse, how are you typing? - 12/03/2010 09:12:23 AM 659 Views
I enjoyed reading the Bayard. - 12/03/2010 11:55:09 PM 584 Views
Re: I enjoyed reading the Bayard. - 14/03/2010 10:56:54 AM 656 Views
Re: I enjoyed reading the Bayard. - 16/03/2010 10:37:35 PM 631 Views
Re: I enjoyed reading the Bayard. - 16/03/2010 10:39:13 PM 613 Views
Yes. - 17/03/2010 05:01:31 PM 649 Views
Re: Yes. - 17/03/2010 07:53:38 PM 538 Views
I don't mind either way. - 12/03/2010 10:18:03 AM 640 Views
Your face is an unreliable horse! - 12/03/2010 10:25:32 AM 642 Views
I think it's fairly logical that genre fiction doesn't employ it as often. - 12/03/2010 01:21:06 PM 806 Views
Well, isn't Erikson notable for his unreliable POVs? - 14/03/2010 12:57:25 AM 636 Views
Hm. Yeigh? - 12/03/2010 05:15:41 PM 707 Views
I like it when they are well written - 15/03/2010 08:44:02 AM 851 Views
Like anything else it is good when done right - 15/03/2010 10:32:48 PM 721 Views
I think because of our cynical nature - 19/03/2010 06:58:05 AM 610 Views

Reply to Message