How do unreliable narrators in literature alter readers' perception of truth and reality?

Unreliable narrators challenge the conventional narrative structure by presenting a subjective version of events, often leading the reader to question the truth of the story being told. This literary device invites audiences to engage critically with the text, piecing together clues and questioning the narrator's integrity and motives. Classic examples include the likes of Holden Caulfield in J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" and Patrick Bateman in Bret Easton Ellis's "American Psycho." By exploring examples of unreliable narration, one can better understand how this technique disrupts the idea of objective truth, reflects complex human psychology, and ultimately enriches the reader's experience by adding layers of mystery and introspection to the narrative.