antinovels

An antinovel is a work of fiction that deliberately subverts or challenges traditional literary conventions, particularly those associated with the novel. Instead of focusing on plot, character development, or realistic settings, antinovels often emphasize experimentation with form, narrative structure, and language. They may feature fragmented narratives, unreliable narrators, a lack of clear resolution, or a disregard for conventional causality. The term "antinovel" suggests a departure from what is typically expected in a novel.

Authors of antinovels may aim to provoke thought, question the nature of storytelling, or explore philosophical ideas through their unconventional approaches. The emphasis is frequently on the act of writing and reading itself, drawing attention to the constructedness of literature. Themes of alienation, the absurd, or the breakdown of meaning are common. Unlike a postmodern novel, which might play with established tropes, an antinovel often seeks to dismantle them entirely or present a stark, often minimalist, alternative to conventional narrative pleasures. Examples can be found in various literary movements, including experimental fiction and certain avant-garde traditions. The goal is not necessarily to tell a story in the traditional sense, but to engage the reader in a different kind of literary experience.