Diksia.com - If you love reading stories that reflect the realities, challenges, and diversity of the modern world, you might be a fan of contemporary fiction.
But what exactly is contemporary fiction, and what makes it different from other genres?
In this article, we will explore the definition, characteristics, benefits, and examples of contemporary fiction, and give you some tips on how to find and appreciate this genre.
What is contemporary fiction?
Contemporary fiction is a broad term that refers to any fictional work that is set in the present day or the recent past.
Unlike historical fiction, which recreates a specific period or event in history, contemporary fiction deals with issues and themes that are relevant to the current society and culture.
Contemporary fiction can also be distinguished from genres such as fantasy, science fiction, or horror, which involve elements of imagination, speculation, or supernatural.
Contemporary fiction aims to portray the world as it is, or as it could be, without any major alterations or deviations from reality.
What are the characteristics of contemporary fiction?
Contemporary fiction is a diverse and flexible genre that can encompass a variety of styles, forms, topics, and perspectives. However, some common characteristics of contemporary fiction are:
- It focuses on the characters and their development. Contemporary fiction often explores the inner lives, emotions, motivations, and relationships of the characters, rather than the plot or the setting. The characters are usually complex, realistic, and relatable, and they face challenges and dilemmas that readers can empathize with.
- It reflects the social and cultural issues of the time. Contemporary fiction often addresses topics such as identity, race, gender, sexuality, class, immigration, politics, religion, technology, environment, and globalization. It also showcases the diversity and multiplicity of voices and experiences in the modern world.
- It experiments with language and form. Contemporary fiction can use various techniques to enhance its expression and creativity. For example, it can use different narrators or points of view, switch between past and present tense, mix genres or media, play with structure or chronology, or incorporate intertextuality or metafiction.
What are the benefits of reading contemporary fiction?
Reading contemporary fiction can have many benefits for readers. Some of them are:
- It enhances empathy and understanding. Reading contemporary fiction can help readers to imagine what it is like to be someone else, to see things from different perspectives, and to appreciate the diversity and complexity of human experiences. It can also help readers to learn about different cultures, histories, and realities that they may not encounter in their own lives.
- It stimulates creativity and imagination. Reading contemporary fiction can expose readers to new ideas, styles, forms, and expressions that can inspire their own creativity and imagination. It can also challenge readers to think critically and analytically about the world and themselves.
- It entertains and educates. Reading contemporary fiction can provide readers with enjoyment and pleasure, as well as knowledge and insight. It can also spark curiosity and interest in further reading and learning.
What are some examples of contemporary fiction?
Contemporary fiction is a vast and varied genre that can include many subgenres such as literary fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, romance, mystery, crime, dystopian, young adult, and more.
Here are some examples of contemporary fiction books that you might want to check out:
- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini: A moving story of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set in Afghanistan during the turbulent times of war and Taliban rule.
- The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins: A gripping psychological thriller about a woman who becomes obsessed with a couple she sees from her train window, and gets involved in a mysterious disappearance.
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: A powerful young adult novel about a black girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her friend by a white police officer, and faces the consequences of speaking up.
- Normal People by Sally Rooney: A captivating literary novel about the complicated relationship between two young people who come from different backgrounds and social classes in Ireland.
- The Testaments by Margaret Atwood: A sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, a dystopian novel about a totalitarian regime that oppresses women and controls their fertility.
- Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: A sweeping novel about two Nigerian immigrants who face different challenges and opportunities in America and England, and their love story that spans continents.
How to find and appreciate contemporary fiction?
If you are interested in reading more contemporary fiction, here are some tips on how to find and appreciate this genre:
- Browse online or offline bookstores or libraries for recommendations. You can look for bestsellers, award winners, staff picks, or customer reviews to get some ideas.
- Join online or offline book clubs or communities. You can meet other readers who share your interest in contemporary fiction, and exchange opinions, suggestions, and feedback. You can also participate in online forums, blogs, or podcasts that discuss contemporary fiction.
- Read book reviews or articles about contemporary fiction. You can find out more about the latest trends, issues, and developments in contemporary fiction, and discover new authors or books that you might like.
- Write your own reviews or reflections on contemporary fiction. You can express your thoughts and feelings about the books you read, and share them with others. You can also improve your writing and communication skills by writing your own reviews or reflections.
Contemporary fiction is a genre that can offer you a lot of enjoyment, learning, and inspiration. Whether you are a seasoned reader or a beginner, you can always find something new and exciting in contemporary fiction.
So, why not pick up a contemporary fiction book today and see what it can do for you?
