Really interesting post as usual! In my reading, I've found that the metafictional devices aren't really to my taste, though they are (usually) clever. It's just personal preference for wanting a story that I can "trust" to tell me the "truth" (as fiction) with a reliable narrator. And some I do enjoy. I definitely see the appeal of metafiction to writers and avid readers/watchers!
I agree metafiction is more challenging. On the flip side, reliable narrators can become a bit boring. But it's possible that just like multiple POV narratives have become mainstream, metafictional techniques may become routine in bestsellers.
I didn’t have an issue with unreliable narrators when they first became popular and when done well, they’re great; but now they’re so routine that I am tired of them and want something else. I’m reading The Leavenworth Case by Anna Katharine Green from the 1800s, so it’s a nice break from the 21st century trends!
Sort of related is the show Hjerson which takes a character vaguely mentioned in an Agatha Christie and fleshes him out. I enjoyed it a lot.
I haven't seen that one. It sounds interesting. I'll take a look. Thanks for mentioning it.
Really interesting post as usual! In my reading, I've found that the metafictional devices aren't really to my taste, though they are (usually) clever. It's just personal preference for wanting a story that I can "trust" to tell me the "truth" (as fiction) with a reliable narrator. And some I do enjoy. I definitely see the appeal of metafiction to writers and avid readers/watchers!
I agree metafiction is more challenging. On the flip side, reliable narrators can become a bit boring. But it's possible that just like multiple POV narratives have become mainstream, metafictional techniques may become routine in bestsellers.
I didn’t have an issue with unreliable narrators when they first became popular and when done well, they’re great; but now they’re so routine that I am tired of them and want something else. I’m reading The Leavenworth Case by Anna Katharine Green from the 1800s, so it’s a nice break from the 21st century trends!