Fiction in verse is a distinctive literary form that merges narrative storytelling with poetic techniques, creating a rhythmic and lyrical experience. Unlike traditional prose fiction, verse fiction is composed in poetic lines and stanzas, which can intensify emotions and enhance imagery. This format is particularly effective for conveying personal or emotional narratives, allowing authors to play with sound, meter, and word choice in unique ways. Prominent examples include works like Ellen Hopkins’ “Crank” and Jason Reynolds’ “Long Way Down,” both of which use the constraints and freedoms of poetry to delve deeply into complex characters and themes.
In this round up, we list some of our favourite works of fiction in verse.
Poguemahone by Patrick McCabe
The Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson
The Penguin Book of Prose Poem
The Beauty of the Husband by Anne Carson
Deep Wheel Orcadia by Harry Josephine Giles
Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
