What's Happening?
Shailee Thompson, a debut author, has released a novel titled 'How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates,' which combines elements of horror and romantic comedy. The story unfolds during a speed-dating event that
turns into a chaotic and deadly night. Thompson explains that the challenge of merging these two seemingly incompatible genres was made easier by their prescriptive and formulaic nature. The setting of the novel is a labyrinthine club, designed to disorient characters and remove modern conveniences like phones, enhancing the horror aspect. The relationship between the protagonist, Jamie, and her best friend, Laurie, is central to the plot, reflecting Thompson's personal experiences and critique of how friendships are often sidelined in traditional horror and rom-com narratives.
Why It's Important?
The novel's unique blend of horror and romantic comedy challenges traditional genre boundaries, offering a fresh narrative approach that could appeal to a broad audience. By focusing on the protagonist's friendship, Thompson addresses a common critique of genre films where friendships are often neglected. This approach not only enriches the narrative but also resonates with readers who value strong interpersonal relationships. The novel's setting and plot devices, such as the removal of phones, highlight the creative ways authors can adapt to modern technological challenges in storytelling. This innovation in genre blending could inspire other writers to explore unconventional narrative structures, potentially influencing future literary trends.
