Prose or Poetry?

When a writer has something vital to say that he considers important, what form should he choose to best express his thoughts and feelings?

Often the choice of form is obvious. Detailing a real life event usually suggests a nonfiction format. Retracing one's life, or a series of events during a lifetime, is usually written as a memoir. Fictional circumstances, or real circumstances with an imaginary twist, suggest a novel or a short story. Simple musings are best rendered as poetry. Yet we have all seen literary works that cross over. Sometimes these works are innovative and creative; sometimes they are confusing and seem to be shifting forms purely for the sake of novelty.

In October 2012, Open Books will publish Happy Ending by musician and writer David Rat. The book details the author's descent into heroin addiction and his subsequent reclamation. So far pretty standard, I admit. But this book is special for several reasons. Other than the author's colorful history as the drummer for the New York based Noise Rock band Rat At Rat R, David Rat has chosen to tell his memoir-like story in modern verse. Does it work? To our assessment, yes! Because Rat brings home the highly emotional nature of his story (and make no mistake, his story is certainly a dramatic one) home in a way that straight-forward prose may not have rendered. Happy Ending is due on October 1st, so be sure to get your copy, then you be the judge.

Open Books Editors