What is Literary Fiction [Updated Guide]

Literary fiction is a genre of fiction used in the book trade. It is also called mainstream fiction or non-genre fiction. In some cases, it may be referred to as serious fiction. Regardless of how you choose to categorize it, there are several things to keep in mind when reading a book that falls under the umbrella of this genre.

First, the writing should be complex and detailed. The setting, characters, plot twists, and turns should all require deep thought and analysis for them to make sense. Literary fiction also emphasizes language and style over action or suspense.Second, it is important to consider the purpose of the story when reading a book in this genre.

About Literary Fiction

Literary fiction can provide readers with a deep understanding of the human condition. It often delves into its characters’ complex relationships, emotions, and motivations. This type of writing is often seen as having greater value due to its exploration of the ethereal and reflective elements that govern our lives. Legendary fiction also has stronger ties to other artistic mediums, such as painting, music, and sculpture.

At the same time, it can offer a unique perspective on social issues. Legendary fiction often critiques societal norms and explores controversial topics that can challenge readers’ preconceived ideas or beliefs. In this sense, it can serve as a tool for educating readers about different cultures, lifestyles, and ideologies.

The History of Literary Fiction

The literary fiction genre has a long and varied history. Some of the earliest known examples date back to ancient Greece when Homer wrote his epic poem The Iliad in the 8th century BC. In the medieval period, Geoffrey Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales, which served as an important example of narrative literature as it was one of the first works of literature to include characters that were fully fleshed out and depicted realistically.

In the 17th century, Henry Fielding wrote Joseph Andrews and Tom Jones, credited as some of the first novels written in English. However,in the 18th century, many authors began writing books that focused on exploring the human condition and exploring moral dilemmas. Examples of this include Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Goethe’s The Sorrows of Young Werther.

In the 19th century, realist novels such as Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina began to emerge, which were heavily focused on exposing social issues and exploring the human psyche. In the 20th century, many authors continued to push literary boundaries and explore new ways of telling stories. Examples include James Joyce’s Ulysses and Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway,which are considered key works in modernist literature.

Types of Literary Fiction

1.   Contemporary Legendary Fiction

Today, literary fiction is still being written. Authors such as Toni Morrison and Cormac McCarthy have continued to explore the boundaries of the genre, while other authors like Jhumpa Lahiri and Junot Diaz have brought a new voice to the conversation. In this modern context, Legendaryfiction continues to be an important tool for exploring social issues, critiquing societal norms, and examining the complexities of the human condition.

2.   Realistic Literary Fiction

In addition to contemporary Legendary fiction, there is also a type of fiction known as realistic literary fiction. This type of writing is often focused on everyday life and seeks to depict characters and their struggles in a realistic way. It is often written from an observational point-of-view and strives for accuracy in the details and nuances of its characters’ lives. Examples of this work include Rebecca Wells’ Divining Women and Alice Munro’s Lives of Girls and Women.

3.   Experimental Legendary Fiction

Finally, there is a type of writing known as Legendary experimentalfiction. This type of literature seeks to push the boundaries of what is considered “literary” and often straddles the line between fiction and poetry. It is often highly imaginative and focuses on uniquely exploring personal themes. Examples of this type of work include Kathy Acker’s Blood and Guts in High School and David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest. 

4.   Philosophical Literary Fiction

Philosophical, literary fiction is a type of writing that uses the medium to explore philosophical questions. And ponder life’s biggest mysteries. It often combines realism and experimental fiction elements but strives to create meaningful connections between characters, events, and ideas to make a larger point about the human condition. Examples of this type of work include Milan Kundera’s The Unbearable Lightness of Being and J.M Coetzee’s Waiting for the Barbarians.