The Common Reader Naomi Kanakia: How Great are the Great Books?
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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.
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Modern Fiction's Homogeneity
- Modern fiction often has a shallow lineage in modernist styles, limiting narrative variety.
- Two main categories exist: prize-winning literary fiction and commercial genres like sci-fi and romance.
Chronological Storytelling
- Naomi Kanakia's MFA classmates all wrote stories out of chronological order.
- This highlighted a stylistic trend in literary fiction programs.
Unrealistic Expectations
- The expectation for every big book to be a masterpiece is unrealistic, not all books are for everyone.
- Large advances often necessitate attention-grabbing elements that may not serve the story.