A successful “we” narrative is one that could not have been written any other way without becoming entirely different-and diminished. To work, the point of view has to grow organically from the story itself. Like any unusual writing technique, the first person plural voice can feel gimmicky if it’s used to show off. But this change of perspective can reveal its own truths, as each book on this reading list shows. A collective point of view emphasizes the group’s commonalities and downplays the individuals’ quirks-those distinguishing characteristics that make characters feel so real. “We” narratives pose technical challenges too. But the raw, visceral sound can make you feel like you’re in the presence of a live, quivering thing. A Victrola has limitations-especially if, say, you want to rock out on a run. Sometimes it’s not the easiest or most convenient way to listen to music or write a book that produces the most memorable results.
I collect “we” voice narratives the way people like my brother collect wind-up phonographs.
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