“When Wingy Pigs Flew” by Francessca Bella is a whimsical novel crafted entirely in rhyme, which initially piqued my interest as a lover of creative literature. I was eager to dive into this unique narrative, looking forward to uncovering fresh perspectives and imaginative storytelling. However, my enthusiasm quickly waned when I found myself grappling with the text. I had to revisit the first five pages three times, struggling to piece together the storyline and grasp the characters’ intentions. The rhythmic prose, while charming, proved to be a significant barrier to comprehension for me. As a result, I regretfully concluded that this particular book did not resonate with my reading preferences. That said, I would still rate this book 5 stars for its creativity and originality in crafting a complete novel in rhyme.
While I did not finish reading the story, I noted that the novel is structured into ten chapters, known as ‘Cantos,’ with each paragraph or stanza containing exactly fourteen lines that end like a traditional poem, focusing on the main rhymes of each paragraph highlighted using a color-coding system. This usually makes your brain switch to a ‘musical’ way of thinking, helping you connect with the text as a complete piece, which was not helpful for me. I also noted that the reader could read each sentence on its own, putting special emphasis on the highlighted words. This gave the writing a somewhat easier-to-read flow, which I believe, if printed this way, would have made it more enjoyable for me to read, comprehend, and forge ahead to the end. Regardless, reading each sentence individually gave the text a Shakespeare-like feel, which is another author whom I find hard to interpret.
“When Wingy Pigs Flew” offers a unique reading experience that celebrates creativity and originality, making it a noteworthy addition to the realm of literary works. While the unconventional structure may present challenges for some readers (especially me), its whimsical charm and rhythmic artistry are undoubtedly captivating for those who appreciate the musicality of language. Ultimately, if you seek a fresh perspective and enjoy the interplay between poetry and storytelling, this novel is worth exploring. Its imaginative approach may resonate deeply with those willing to embrace the unconventional, inviting them to discover joy in this simple romantic story.