The book features thirty-five interviews with verse novelists from Australia and Aotearoa-New Zealand, delving into the distinct art of storytelling through poetry. Linda Weste highlights the unique characteristics of the verse novel genre, offering insights from various authors about their creative processes and the thematic depth of their works. This exploration provides a rich understanding of how poetry can shape narrative and engage readers in innovative ways.
In these twenty-two interviews with verse novelists from the UK, USA, Australia and Canada, Linda Weste explores the uniqueness of storytelling through poetry and the genre of the verse novel. Her subjects are notable representatives of countries where the genre thrives; among them is Bernardine Evaristo, joint winner of the Booker Prize in 2019; and what they have to say enriches our understanding of the many ways poetry and narratives can meld to create a unique reading experience.