Quote:
Originally Posted by Ea
No, it's not  Who told you that? 
If you are only picking up books in such a utilitarian frame of mind, you are certainly sure never to be entertained or enlightened - which is other primary purposes of fiction.
I see much alike between literary fiction and modern art. Both are/can be difficult to understand and require you to approach it with an open mind and making an effort. Some background knowledge of the topic typically helps too. That's why I don't read much literary fiction - im lazy  But when I do invest the time and attention, I usually find it a more rewarding, enlightening and enriching experience than just plain, "low", entertaining fiction. |
Excellent point. I have to say that I like some historically-set fiction that could be said to be literary like
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet, which I raved about, or would that just be historical fiction? I don't like the "historical fiction" that is actually romance, though.