Happy National Letter Writing Day!

Although I'm not a huge fan of epistolary fiction (fiction in the form of letters), I am a huge fan of actual letters and cards. I think it is sad that even email is considered old-fashioned these days. A paper letter/card in an actual envelope with a real stamp is a real treat. 

Epistolary fiction that I do like

Pamela by Samuel Richardson, in part because I find the entire story so wacky. I've written a spoof/tribute: Mr. B Speaks! 

Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson, which I review here--I comment that the novel is one of the few where the letter writing sounds REAL, not like someone who chopped up chapters into letter writing segments. 

Daddy Long Legs by Jane Webster. I reread the book recently and was impressed by how engaging it is and how quickly it flows. The protagonist's voice is very believable. 

Dracula by Bram Stoker, Part I--Jonathan Harker's diary, which is written to his fiance, Mina, is captivating. The rest of the novel, which is a collection of letters and newspaper reports is less interesting. 

Documents in the Case by Dorothy Sayers is very good, being also a collection of newspaper reports and letters. It is as well quite raw and rather sad. 

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is a masterpiece, of course, and also an example of how the epistolary style forces the author into the letter writer's mindset. C.S. Lewis was rather weary of the book by the time he finished. Thankfully, he did finish it!