Definition: Narrative style story (novel) told through written letters by one or more characters. 

Characteristics of Literary Form:                                                           First person, communicate through writing without narrator. The writer's point of view presented through letter writing. Conveys private thoughts shared with another character and reader. Intimate writing style.

Examples:                                                                                                   Letters of Paul (Epistles) in the Bible.

1700's literary style. Very common writing expression and venue of female authors.

1700-1800's logging of travel, philosophical writings, depicted common experiences (class) and moral messages.

Color Purple©1982,©1992 written by Alice Walker                          Harcourt, Inc.                                                                                             

Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood (1986)

"Dear Mrs. Martin," play by Kate Aspengren

Correspondence (letters frequently appearing in books)              Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton,                                Virginia Wolf, Eleanor Roosevelt                               

Here's an Old Gem from my Personal Library                                      Dear Papa©1963 written by Thyra Ferre Bjorn.                                 Holt, Rinehart and Winston,  New York/Chicago/San Francisco