There is a Narrative Trick in this Story

【Narrative Trick】 A trick used in the composition of mystery novels to cause the reader to misread. For example, a character’s gender or age, or even the chronology of events are purposely covered up. Like that, the reader uses their precognitions to misunderstand the truth, creating an unexpected reveal.

Original Publisher

syosetu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on *There is a Narrative Trick in this Story* This web novel is a fascinating, albeit brief, exploration of narrative trickery. The title itself is practically a dare, challenging you to unravel the mystery from the very beginning. While opinions seem to vary on how well the trick is executed, I found the overall concept intriguing enough to warrant a closer look. ### First Impressions My initial impression was that this was less a traditional story and more of a meta-commentary on writing itself. It feels like a lecture disguised as a short story, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but definitely colors the reading experience. I went in expecting a complex mystery, but it turned out to be more of a puzzle box, prompting me to actively search for the "trick" the author promised. ### What Works Well The core strength of this story lies in its ability to engage the reader on an intellectual level. I found myself constantly analyzing the dialogue and character interactions, looking for subtle clues. The story's brevity also works in its favor. It doesn't overstay its welcome, delivering its message concisely. I appreciated how the author used the narrative itself to conceal the truth, making the reveal, whether predictable or not, a satisfying conclusion. It really made me feel like I was actively participating in the story, trying to outsmart the author. ### Areas of Concern While the story is clever, I can see why some readers might find the trick too obvious or simplistic. The emphasis on certain details, like the childhood friend trope, could be a bit heavy-handed, potentially giving away the game too early. Some also felt that the "trick" was an old one that's been done before. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, let's talk spoilers. A few reviewers mentioned figuring out the trick early on, particularly after the childhood friend mention. The discussion about age and gender also seems to be a significant clue. Be warned that reading too many reviews beforehand might diminish the surprise. ### Final Verdict *There is a Narrative Trick in this Story* is a worthwhile read for those who enjoy a quick, thought-provoking experience. It's not a masterpiece of mystery, but it's a clever exercise in narrative manipulation that will likely leave you pondering the art of storytelling. While some might find the trick predictable, the journey of trying to uncover it is enjoyable enough. I'd recommend it to aspiring writers or anyone who appreciates a bit of meta-fiction.