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Contemporary 'literary' fiction-does it have to be bleak to be good?

29 replies

ArcticRoll · 02/03/2008 20:45

The last few books I have read have been brilliant but ultimately a bit depressing/distressing and/ or bleak;
The Disappearing Act of Esme Lennox
The Kite Runner
The Tenderness of Wolves
The Inheritance of Loss
The Gathering
Half a Yellow Sun
On Chesil Beach
and just about to start A Thousand Spendid
Suns for book group.
I feel the need for some light relief when it's my turn to select for book group.
Any ideas for 'quality' contemporary fiction that isn't distressing or bleak?
Ta.

OP posts:
Saker · 02/03/2008 22:26

Again not bang up-to-date but "English Passengers" is very funny in parts. Though the overall theme is not always cheerful, it is not a bleak book.

hoxtonchick · 02/03/2008 22:19

two caravans, by the ukrainian tractors woman is good too.

ArcticRoll · 02/03/2008 20:56

Thanks marina,will look out for those at the library.

OP posts:
marina · 02/03/2008 20:51

It's not bang up to date but William Sutcliffe's Are You Experienced? is extremely funny on the topic of annoying Gap Year egomaniacs in India
And A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian, while unsentimental, is much funnier than any of your recent reads

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