Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly meme hosted by Rukky @ Eternity Books and Dani @ Literary Lion. Discussions pertain to topics related to reading or books. Share your opinions, and spread the love by visiting other “Let’s Talk Bookish” posts.

Prompts:  What’s the difference between having something as a prologue vs. a chapter 1? Is it too much to have both a prologue and epilogue? How does having one (or both) affect how readers perceive the story? Do you think epilogues have more value because they might tie up loose ends? Do prologues have more value because they can set the scene? Do you prefer having neither?

I’ve never thought about how I feel about prologues much. I’ve welcomed them when they help set up the story, a primer of sorts to acclimate readers to what is ahead. On the other hand, they can be bothersome, especially in sequels, when I’m trying to jump right into the book. Good prologues have me thinking about them throughout the book, trying to make connections and predictions.  Epilogues are a different story.

I used to dislike epilogues because I mostly liked endings as they were. If an author included an epilogue, I wondered why it couldn’t have just been included in the last chapter or why the last chapter couldn’t have just been tied up more nicely. I have since changed my mind, at least as it relates to romance novels. Reading romance novels has made me more accepting of epilogues.  I’d go as far as to say I look forward to them. Epilogues have spoiled me by providing glimpses into a couple’s future, sometimes a few months to a few years later. Now, I am often disappointed when there is no epilogue in a romance novel because I don’t get the confirmation of their HEA. As I’ve grown to embrace epilogues in romance novels, my desire for them has also bled into other genres. I sometimes wish some of my favorite fantasy novels included epilogues. I would have appreciated some loose ends being tied up.

Generally, my feelings about prologues and epilogues have often depended on the individual novel. Not all prologues nor all epilogues are equal. I do wish some never existed. 

What are your thoughts on prologues and epilogues?