Final answer:
An epistolary novel is a genre of literature that is presented through letters, diary entries, and other personal documents. Such narratives offer a personal perspective and can either be fictional or nonfictional. The correct option for describing an epistolary novel is C: in the form of letters.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the host describes the book as an epistolary novel, they are referring to a genre of literature that unfolds through the use of letters, diary entries, or other personal documents that make up the structure of the work. This narrative style allows the reader to experience the story through the characters' own words and personal reflections. An example of this would be "Bajadas" by Francisco Cantu, which is a journal of the author's experiences while working as a border patrol agent. Presented through dated vignettes, it stands as a classic epistolary story.
Such storytelling can be found in various forms. For instance, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is delivered through letters and journal entries within the narrative. This method can provide intimacy and a personal viewpoint within the story, commonly seen in creative nonfiction as well. Creative nonfiction employs a literary technique to tell true stories, often using the first person narrative to create an artistic rendition of real events, emotions, and experiences.
To clarify, the concept of an epistolary novel should not be confused with nonfiction, which is factual writing about real events and people. An epistolary novel can either fall under the category of fiction, where the content is derived from the author's imagination, or nonfiction, where the content is based on true events but told in a narrative form through letters or diary entries.
Therefore, when a book is described as an epistolary novel, it most accurately means that it is C. in the form of letters or similar documents. Thus, the correct option for describing an epistolary novel would be C.