Literary Fiction

1. Short definition of Literary Fiction

• Literature that shows life experiences and personal perspectives of characters who are in the middle of complex situations and experience conflict over values and relationships.
• Tension is typically built as the protagonist finds ways to respond and cope with situations, and to understand their origins.
• Resolutions do not come easily.
• Readers often experiences sympathetic feelings involving character, family, ethics, memory, faith, and forgiveness.
• Writers often employ original or experimental sytles of writing, storytelling techniques, and plot structures.
• Readers are often left with the need to discuss thoughts and feelings experienced while reading.

Adapted from "Getting Up to Speed in Literary Fiction"

contributed by: David Carr, January 13, 2009. Novelist Plus

2008 Winner: 2666

                     by Roberto Bolano

2009 Winner: Olive Kitteridge

                     by Elizabeth Strout