For the last decade, popular fiction, also known as genre fiction, has enjoyed mainstream success with modern audiences. From the terrifying If It Bleeds by Stephen King to Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas, it’s abundantly clear that genre fiction has a very warm place in our hearts. Even so, there has been a rise in the popularity of literary fiction. This is surprising, since literary fiction has less market appeal. So what is literary fiction? How does it differ from genre fiction, and how has literary fiction experienced a boom in popularity?

Literary fiction is a type of fiction that is regarded as more serious than genre fiction. Literary fiction generally includes a narrative about society or humanity, whether it be to criticize it or support it. It involves detailed characters with inner struggles. Character development is stressed, and often guides the story. Literary fiction tends to be slow-paced and is generally darker than popular fiction.

At first glance, literary fiction is very different from genre fiction. Literary fiction focuses more on the depth and introduces unique styles to literature that may not always appeal to general audiences. Literary fiction is also character-driven. In other words, the character influences the world around them, and their decisions and actions directly impact the story. Popular fiction, on the other hand, is more plot-driven. The story leads the character to where they need to go without them having much of a say in any of it. It appeals to more people because it incorporates the audience’s perspective, and tends to ruminate over imaginary details.

Not only this, but there is also a different culture around the two genres. Literary fiction is often studied by universities. Those who write literary fiction may teach at universities and local colleges. Literary fiction writers are usually supported by patrons and will have more acclamation for their books. Genre fiction, on the other hand, is typically supported by book sales, and will, again appeal to the general audience. While there are awards for genre fiction, the books themselves may not be as studied as extensively. Despite this, there are many authors who dabble in both genre and literary fiction. For example, Margaret Atwood, who wrote the famed A Handmaiden’s Tale, has also dabbled in the science fiction genre. Doris Lessing, a Noble laureate, had described science fiction as a way to convey social issues. Georges Simenon, who penned the Maigret detective series, has been regarded as, according to Ned Rorem, one of France’s greatest writers in this century.

More recently, there has been a rising general interest in literary fiction. As mentioned before, Margaret Atwood’s A Handmaiden’s Tale has taken the U.S. by storm, with its haunting comparisons to fundamental Christianity and the discussion of women’s rights. TV shows like Bojack Horseman go on to describe the vapid realities of Hollywood, as well as the difficulties of life. Instead of feel-good, inspirational stories, audiences are now gravitating towards stories that, while providing some sort of escapism, also reflect the growing cynicism people have for life. Social commentaries are becoming more and more common, so much so that genre fiction will incorporate elements of literary fiction into their own. This very aspect represents just how important it is to integrate literary fiction and genre fiction together.

Of course, there are going to be disagreements. Damien Walter claimed that literary fiction is a luxury that doesn’t sell. Jennifer Weiner stated that many literary awards will overlook genre fiction, while a group called the SF Sad Puppies have even said that the science fiction genre was being endangered because they were integrating elements of literary fiction into science fiction.

Even so, it’s important to remember that literary fiction is just another branch of fiction. It offers insight into the world around us, and like its other fictional counterparts, appeals to a certain type of reader. Despite the perceived snobbery surrounding literary fiction, there are lessons that the general audience can take from it. It’s perhaps one of the more prominent reasons why literary fiction is enjoying mainstream success today.