AustLit

'Given the unique complement of poetic and narrative elements in each verse novel, the form should have considerable research appeal. Yet despite the verse novel's potential, the form is often deemed problematic by scholars and reviewers alike. A range of interrelated factors appear to complicate, marginalise or problematise critical debate on the form. This paper appraises how past and present reading practices, taxonomic classifications, the relation between the verse novel and its novelistic counterpart, and the conflation of lyric and poetry as terms, impact on verse novel research and reception. Some recuperative acts are proposed for the direction of future research by which scholars can close the gaps in verse novel research, and critics and readers can better regard the verse novel form.' (Publication abstract)