Description
Novels written from rotating perspectives in a family often have a unique richness and depth of narrative. As readers, we can see how different people interpret the same events, which illustrates both how subjective all our perspectives are and how misunderstandings can happen. How do two children with the same parents and upbringing see their childhoods so differently? Why does a married couple fight over some things and not others?
In this workshop, we’ll cover several contemporary novels that enable us to learn about the complex ecosystem of a family through its multiple subjects. Parents naturally have a different perspective than do their children. Generational conflicts arise and cultural values change. We’ll discuss how reading both (or multiple) sides of these clashes allows us to see the kaleidoscope of influences on a family.
As narrative sleuths, we’ll recognize how hearing from different characters can help us comprehend the full story, particularly when it comes to understanding how the decisions of our ancestors affect us and how events can ripple through our descendants’ lives.
Reading a novel masterfully written from the perspectives of multiple family members can feel like piecing together a puzzle that parallels the complex reality of life. Together as readers, we’ll learn how to hone our appreciation for stories that share perspectives within marriages, through generations, across borders, and even into the future.
