"In my own work, I tend to cover a lot of time and to jump back and forward in time, and sometimes the way I do this is not very straightforward"

Alice Munro, a renowned Canadian narrative writer, is known for her complex stories and extensive character expeditions. This quote highlights a few of her distinct storytelling strategies.

Munro's admission that she "covers a lot of time" recommends her stories often cover substantial durations, catching the essence of a character's life or the advancement of their situations. This temporal breadth permits her to construct deep, abundant stories that show life's intricacies. Unlike a linear progression, which might limit the narrative to a simple start, middle, and end, Munro's use of time can mirror the intricacies and unpredictability of real life.

Her technique of leaping "back and forward in time" serves to weave different threads of a story together, using readers a more holistic view of the characters' development and inspirations. By not adhering to a direct structure, Munro can highlight certain occasions' significance or reveal crucial information at the most impactful moment. This non-linear approach can produce thriller, provoke much deeper understanding, and engage readers in piecing together the narrative puzzle.

Munro's acknowledgment that her approach is "not extremely uncomplicated" shows her innovative method to storytelling. The intricacy of her narrative structure might challenge readers, needing them to pay close attention and even reread passages to totally understand the story's nuances. Yet, this complexity includes layers to her stories, making them more gratifying and reflective of human experience. Her tales, therefore, do not merely captivate; they invite contemplation and insight.

In summary, Alice Munro's narrative design, as explained in this quote, showcases her proficiency in crafting stories that are as elaborate as the lives they depict. Her ability to manipulate time and series enables her to delve deeply into characters' psyches, providing profound comments on the nature of human existence. This complexity, though not uncomplicated, enriches her storytelling, making her work both challenging and deeply satisfying.