Hypertext Novels

I’ve always been intrigued by the concept of reading novels online. Part of me is willing to embrace the idea of technology merging with the beloved book to create something new and dynamic. I’ve read other texts online before, but never really been that enthused. Some were circular in nature, trying to cast off the linear form traditional books often force upon readers. I was not a fan of a non-linear writing, it became confusing for me and detracted from the overall enjoyment of learning. Be that as it may, I decided to look up novels online to read for free. I really need to expand my knowledge in American literature and decided Faulkner would be a great place to start. So, being the cheap student I am, I tried online searches to find myself a free copy of The Sound and the Fury. I wasn’t having much luck until I came across a website called The Hypertext Edition of the Sound and the Fury, created by several individuals at the University of Saskatchewan. I have to admit, I’m quite enthralled with the idea of having the traditional text available to me in such an interesting manner, along with several other interactive applications such as guides and timelines. I really think that if all of the classic novels were put online in the same manner as this one, then there could be a revival and new audience for all of the wonderful novels that sometimes go unnoticed by technologically addicted students.