Narrative Nonfiction: Definition and Top Reads

There can be many ways to narrate a tale. Some authors prefer to stick to some truths, and some prefer to make up their own truths. Some of the authors even settle in the middle. Talking specifically about narrative nonfiction requires heavy research. It is written to share a true story while entertaining readers. Meanwhile, the entire focus remains on the storytelling, and narrative nonfiction should remain as accurate and true to its roots as possible. Using a fiction technique to narrate a nonfiction story is so compelling.

What is Narrative Nonfiction?

Definition

What exactly is narrative nonfiction? What does it imply? The definition of narrative nonfiction is any tale that incorporates facts. The term "narrative" refers to any literary work transmitted in the form of a story. This work of literature provides accurate information. It is sometimes known as "literary nonfiction" or "creative nonfiction." Because this work of literature is founded on facts, authors/writers can use a creative approach so that the narrative engages and attracts readers. The whole plot/storyline is based on facts. However, some of the specifics in the narrative can be changed to better suit the audience and generate a better ending.

Writers of narrative nonfiction must consider the need to describe forthcoming events accurately. Ethical issues must be taken into account by authors. The majority of narrative nonfiction should be true. However, crucial details must be changed. It's OK as long as it accurately depicts the events. It is vital to highlight that when most of the content is altered, nonfiction loses its integrity and becomes fiction.

It often happens when a writer cannot find the right information regarding any particular part/ scenario. They might leave that story unclear. The readers' imagination comes to fill that specific part of the story. Although, the writer can still be held factually accountable. Narrative nonfiction demands excessive research and studies by the author so that an authentic tale can be narrated and backed up by facts. This sort of writer must also be capable of writing elegantly and engagingly while offering factual facts. Generally, journalists succeed in this domain because they possess research and literary abilities and background.

Features

Narrative nonfiction has numerous distinguishing characteristics. The most fundamental aspect of narrative nonfiction is that it is founded on facts. It should include true-life stories, incidents, or characters based on actual people. Because of the presence of facts, the writer needs to conduct an extensive study and in-depth research. This contributes to the literary piece's credibility and integrity. It is possible to conclude that journalism and nonfiction storytelling are comparable. Both of these fields need research with a literary flair in order to captivate readers and provide information. Narrative nonfiction is usually written in the first person, just like memoirs or even diaries. The third-person narrative has grown in popularity throughout the years. Aside from that, it has the same features as any standard tale

There are several topics, plot development, narrative structure, character development, and fascinating interactions, to keep the readers interested. Engaging characters aid in the progression of the plot, while literary devices are employed to add artistic flair. Symbolism and imagery are examples of literary techniques. Narrative nonfiction incorporates aspects from both factual journalism and literature. This makes it an appealing and well-liked genre among readers. The best way to understand nonfiction narrative is by listing examples of this type of literary work. Narrative nonfiction can include memoirs, diaries, personal essays, and literary journalism.

Examples of Narrative Nonfiction

Top-Reads

Many examples of narrative nonfiction describe the character's true story and experiences.

DESTINY OF THE REPUBLIC (CANDICE MILLARD)

James A. Garfield, a Civil War hero and reforming congressman, was nominated for President against his will. He went on to utilise his presidency to combat political corruption. Nonetheless, he was assassinated by a psychotic assassin four months into his term. Although he survived the initial shooting, the bullet in his spine rendered Garfield paralysed, igniting a fierce power struggle behind the scenes. Despite every effort to save the sick President, his physicians' negligence finally led to his death two months after the shooting

COLUMBINE (DAVE CULLEN)

Dave Cullen analyses the horrific shooting that permanently transformed America with rigorous, in-depth study. Cullen transports you back to that awful day in 1999, at a time when shootings were regrettably becoming the norm rather than the exception. Cullen was one of the first reporters on the scene that fateful day, and he has subsequently spent years piecing together the complete tale of what happened at Columbine High School.

THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY (ERIK LARSON)

Erik Larson, a master of narrative nonfiction, focuses on the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. Larson brilliantly mixes two parallel narratives together. The first is that of Daniel H. Burnham, the fair's architect and creator. At the same time, in Chicago lurked serial murderer Henry H. Holmes, a pharmacist determined to create his brand of carnival - a torture chamber filled with every possible horror. Larson creates a shocking juxtaposition of American history by juxtaposing the lives of these two people.

THE WARMTH OF OTHER SUNS (ISABEL WILKERSON)

From the First World War through the 1970s, there was a significant flight of Blacks from the South to northern and western towns. Wilkerson's book focuses on three stories from The Great Migration: Ida Mae Gladney, who left sharecropping in 1937 for a blue-collar life in Chicago; George Starling, who left Florida in 1945 for Harlem, where he fought for civil rights; and Robert Foster, who moved from Louisiana to become a personal physician in 1953.

NOTHING TO ENVY (BARBARA DEMICK)

It isn't easy to believe that a regime straight out of dystopian literature could exist in our modern world. However, after reading about North Korea, you will be astounded by our sophisticated authoritarian society. Barbara Demick explains the history of an Orwellian society that has had a significant effect in the previous decade via the accounts of six North Koreans who finally fled to South Korea

WILD (CHERYL STRAYED)

Sometimes doing something wild, such as hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, is necessary to put your life in order fully. Cheryl Strayed's life had spiralled out of control by the time she was 22, so she made the life-altering choice to hike the PCT. Her tale (and the accompanying film) encouraged many women to look for themselves similarly, making it one of the best-selling novels of the decade. While I don't think everyone needs to embark on a wild trip as she did, I do believe we might all benefit from a life reset now and again. You'll chuckle at Strayed's gaffes, be impressed by her idiocy and bravery, and, if you're anything like me, you'll want to go for a hike.