Title: Unraveling the Collective Tale of “Fourteen Days”: A Collaborative Novel by 36 Literary Voices
Introduction:
In the realm of literature, renowned author Margaret Atwood once shared her belief that writers essentially work alone. However, her latest project, “Fourteen Days,” defies this notion as it unfolds as a collaborative novel penned by an impressive ensemble of 36 American and Canadian authors. This intriguing literary endeavor follows the lives of residents in a New York apartment building during the initial 14 days of lockdown in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A Unique Literary Puzzle:
The project, conceived by Douglas Preston and co-edited with Atwood, takes an unconventional approach as each character’s story is authored by a different writer. The suspense lies in guessing the identity of each literary mastermind behind the captivating narratives, which span various genres and styles. Among the esteemed list of contributors are notable names like John Grisham, Celeste Ng, Diana Gabaldon, R.L. Stine, and Margaret Atwood herself.
The Frame Narrative:
To weave together the diverse cast of characters, Preston wrote the frame narrative that ties the novel together. His character, Yessie, the building’s superintendent, discovers a notebook left behind by her predecessor. The notebook reveals intriguing nicknames and personal histories of the residents, allowing Yessie to piece together their lives during the lockdown.
A Rich Tapestry of Stories:
The book’s collaborative nature creates a captivating narrative momentum, as readers are left guessing which author wrote each intriguing story. The range of tales encompasses love stories, ghost stories, anecdotes based on realism, and even seemingly far-fetched narratives. Together, they weave a vivid portrait of the newly formed community amidst the pandemic’s challenges.
The Power of Collaborative Storytelling:
Emma Donoghue, one of the featured authors, revealed that she eagerly agreed to participate in the project due to her admiration for Atwood. The collaborative process emphasized solidarity over self-promotion, giving the writers a chance to step out of their usual genres and explore new creative territory.
The Timeless Tradition of Frame Narratives:
“Fourteen Days” draws inspiration from the rich literary history of frame narratives, which include works such as Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales,” “One Thousand and One Nights,” and Giovanni Boccaccio’s “The Decameron.” These timeless stories showcase the power of storytelling in providing comfort and entertainment during challenging times.
Exploring Creativity Amidst Isolation:
As the world grapples with the ongoing pandemic, it’s fascinating to see how artists continue to create and adapt. “Fourteen Days” offers a unique perspective on this theme, demonstrating the power of collective storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit.
For those interested in exploring the rich world of collaborative literature, here are some recommendations:
1. “The Decameron” by Giovanni Boccaccio
2. “Contagion” (2011) – A pandemic drama film directed by Steven Soderbergh
3. “The Year That Changed Our World” – A collaborative photobook documenting the Covid-19 pandemic by Agence France-Presse
4. “Only Murders in the Building” – A comedy mystery TV series featuring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez
5. “The Interestings” by Meg Wolitzer (who also contributed to “Fourteen Days”) – A novel exploring the complexities of friendship and the disappointments of ordinary life.
