Who is reading fiction, anyway? At least the grade of “literary” fiction - as opposed to science fiction, fantasy, etc. that reside in the lower depths.
I attempted several times to see what the great literati were recommending, with their award-winners and NYT chart-toppers - only to be disgusted with the drivel and nonsense that passed for writing. Sick violence, sex and depravity by amoral characters seems to be the primary elements of great modern literary efforts.
The finest example for me is John Irving, with his string of outhouse supply holders from the ‘80s.
Fiction appears to be so much mental masturbation, to unknowingly quote too many of these self-absorbed ‘elites’.
John Irving is not a good writer, in my opinion. Quite the opposite. But he hasn’t been relevant for a while, and I don’t think he was considered the most elite, highbrow among authors.
Who is reading fiction, anyway?
Fiction is now featured on CNN, NBC, ABC, NPR and is no longer a reading activity.