The Common Reader
Naomi Kanakia: How Great are the Great Books?
Oct 27, 2024
Naomi Kanakia, a novelist and critic known for her Substack 'Woman of Letters' and her upcoming book on the Great Books, dives into the evolving landscape of literature. She discusses the homogeneity of modern fiction and critiques many so-called Great Books while emphasizing the importance of classic literature. The conversation also explores the intersection of literature and economics, alongside the impact of commercialization in publishing. Kanakia argues for a richer portrayal of class issues in contemporary stories, pushing for authenticity in today’s narratives.
51:25
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights the tension between modern fiction's lack of narrative diversity and the historic similarities shared across literary genres.
- It argues for the intrinsic value of great literature in fostering critical thinking and counters the political framing often associated with classic texts.
Deep dives
Modern Fiction and Narrative Form
Modern fiction often lacks diversity in narrative form, leading to a perception of superficiality in writing. The discussion highlights a divide between highbrow literature, which tends to follow established modernist techniques, and commercial genres like science fiction, romance, and crime fiction. In the past, literature from different categories shared more similarities in style and substance. Factors such as the introduction of scene breaks and shorter sentences have shifted storytelling conventions, making contemporary narratives feel more disjointed and less cohesive.
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