Exploring the Purpose of Introductions and Conclusions: Are They Significant?
In the captivating world of contemporary romance, author Helena Fairfax skillfully employs the use of prologues and epilogues to enrich her storytelling.
A prologue, as defined by Wikipedia, is an opening to a story that establishes context and gives background details. Fairfax utilises this device to great effect, setting the tone and stakes high from the very beginning. In her novel, "A Way from Heart to Heart," the prologue describes the heroine's husband's death in Afghanistan five years before the actual story begins, immediately creating sympathy for the characters and setting up the premise of the novel.
The author believes that writers should write the story the way they think is best. Fairfax, however, suggests that prologues can be useful, but authors should think carefully before using them and only use them if the story genuinely suffers without one. This approach is evident in "A Way from Heart to Heart" where the hero delivers the news of the husband's death, creating a sense of urgency and emotional weight that propels the story forward.
On the other hand, an epilogue is appropriate when the author wants to deliver closure, show consequences, or bring the story full circle after the main plot concludes. Fairfax has written only one epilogue, which can be found in "The Silk Romance." The epilogue was written to provide updates on the heroine's family and best friend, offering a happy, uplifting ending that leaves readers satisfied.
A reader once emailed Fairfax to express their appreciation for the epilogue in "The Silk Romance," praising it for its ability to tie up loose ends and bring a sense of finality to the story. This sentiment reflects the author's intention to use epilogues to provide a sense of completion and resolution to her readers.
Fairfax's novels have been shortlisted for several awards, including the Exeter Novel Prize, the Global Ebook Awards, and the I Heart Indie Awards, showcasing her skill as a storyteller. Her sympathetic heroines and heroes, whom she confesses she is secretly in love with, resonate with readers, drawing them into her engaging contemporary romances.
It is a debate among authors whether to supply context/background in the opening pages or let it emerge as the novel progresses. Fairfax's use of prologues and epilogues demonstrates her preference for providing essential background information upfront, ensuring her readers are fully immersed in her captivating stories from the very beginning.
Books like "A Way from Heart to Heart" and "The Silk Romance" offer both entertainment and a glimpse into the characters' lives through the use of prologues and epilogues. These devices, skillfully employed by author Helena Fairfax, provide essential background information and offer closure respectively, enhancing the overall narrative experience for readers.
