An epistolary novel is a type of novel that is written as a collection of personal letters or documents It is a form of storytelling that has been popular since the 18th century and is still prevalent today. The novel often begins with a character writing a letter, either to another character, or to the reader, introducing themselves and setting the scene for the story to come.
The epistolary form of storytelling has long been a powerful way to create immersive narratives, as the letters of the protagonists give the reader an intimate understanding of the characters’ emotions, relationships, and motivations. It is also a great device for creating suspense and tension, as the readers await to see how the characters will react to the events of the story.
One of the best examples of an epistolary novel is Samuel Richardson’s 'Pamela', published in 1740. The novel follows Pamela, a fifteen-year-old servant girl, whose master attempts to seduce her. Through the letters and journal entries that Pamela writes, the readers are presented with her inner thoughts and feelings throughout her ordeal. The novel ultimately reveals that she succeeds in resisting her master’s advances, and is rewarded with marriage.
Another classic example of the form is Bram Stoker’s 'Dracula', which was published in 1897. The novel follows a group of characters as they attempt to combat the titular vampire, and is told through the letters, newspaper clippings, and journal entries of the characters. Stoker’s use of the epistolary form allows the readers to experience the horror of the events through the eyes of the characters, creating a truly immersive experience.
One of the more iconic examples of a contemporary epistolary novel is Mark Z. Danielewski’s 'House of Leaves'. The novel follows Johnny Truant, a young man who discovers a mysterious manuscript that tells the story of a family who moves into a house that is much bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. The novel is presented as a mixture of Johnny’s own narrative, the manuscript he discovers, and a variety of other documents, such as footnotes, appendices, and academic papers.
Another excellent example of the form is Audrey Niffenegger’s 'The Time Traveler’s Wife'. This novel tells the story of Henry DeTamble, a time traveler who suffers from a rare disorder that causes him to randomly journey through time. The novel is told through the letters and journal entries of Henry and his wife Clare, as they try to make sense of Henry’s condition, and the implications it has on their relationship.
The final example of an epistolary novel on this list is Jean Rhys’ 'Wide Sargasso Sea'. This novel follows Antoinette Cosway, a woman of Creole descent who is living in Jamaica in the 1830s. The novel is told through the letters and diary entries of Antoinette and her husband-to-be, as they try to navigate their relationship in a world that is hostile and unkind to them. By using the epistolary form, Rhys is able to present an intimate look into the lives of her characters, and the struggles they face in an oppressive and racist society.
Epistolary novels have stood the test of time, and continue to be utilized today by authors looking to create immersive stories that put the reader in the shoes of the characters. The five examples of the form mentioned in this essay are only a small sample of the myriad of great works that utilize this powerful storytelling device.