Realistic Fiction discussion

Well, it's an oxymoron in itself. How can fiction be realistic?

Haha, Catherine, that's great! I was sort of thinking the same thing... but I suppose if the fiction we're talking about is 'realistic' rather than whimsical that counts, right?

quite a facinating and unique Group!!! happy to be a part of this! Thanks An!

Yes, there is one realistic book: The only 9/11 novel narrated by the South Tower! Airplane Novel More at http://www.airplanenovel.com. You'll love it, hate it, but you won't read another book like it. Hope you enjoy.

Best,

Paul A. Toth

@Catherine...I think your close to the truth. Its an oxymoron in itself. But hey, we're living in the age of oxymorons. Realistic fiction generally means fiction that deals with reality, more than say, vampires, zombies, etc. Its also a forthright way of writing as opposed to fantastical, or high camp, or embellished with floral or exceedingly high tech verbiage of another era (past or future.)

Here's a good example. I'm reading a wonderful collection of stories by Deborah Batterman called SHOES, HAIR, NAILS. In each story the character discusses her love of shoes, of getting her hair done, of pedicures, and a trip to Las Vegas with her family. But the stories
will break your heart, also make you laugh out loud, because they're really about dealing with her parents aging, about alzheimers, about what to do with her mother's huge collection of shoes when she dies. In short, the collection is about life and birth and death, and how inevitably, we become the parents, our parents become our children. Its wonderful! I highly recommend. Available in print and
as ebook. I don't know this writer. I just happened upon this wonderful collection. I would definitely call this Realistic Fiction. Highly recommended! Happy reading,and alohas from Hawaii....
Kiana Davenport, Author CANNIBAL NIGHTS

You make a good point @Kiana - maybe it's the actual term 'realistic fiction' that isn't right. The concept is fine and as you say, can make for good reading. We need to come up with another word for it!

I hadn't realised this was about genre. I took it to mean something to do with theme or presentation. And, of course, in that respect, most fiction is 'realistic' in that it deals with those real things, emotions and events imagined by the author. Even in the most off-the-wall fiction, fantasy (in its many manifestations), romance, etc., there must be some 'realistic' element on which to hang the imagined world, doesn't there?

You are right, Stuart - ultimately, fiction takes its cue and its ideas from life, real life. But if that's the case then all fiction is 'realistic' and there is therefore no need to isolate the category. It's just the actual term 'realistic fiction' that somehow doesn't sit well with me.

I agree, Catherine. All plausible fiction is realistic in this sense.

We have a category in the Breakthrough Bookstore that I call "Contemporary Realistic" and to which I gave this definition:
"Contemporary realistic fiction is about people, their problems, and their challenges. While untrue, the storyline reflects situations that could actually happen in contemporary times. Some events, people, and places may even be real. The language and actions of the characters are appropriate to the setting of the story and reflective of the culture and social class in which they live."

Does this perhaps define what this category [realistic fiction] is meant to convey?

Thank you for the group invite! I think all realistic fiction means is...relatable to real life fiction.

Thanks for inviting me to the group, Indian ... I like the idea of separating what is "realistic" from fantasy or horror. But I also agree with the comments above that "realistic" is a tricky and subjective term. You could also have Vampires running around in Detroit (see Darker Things by Rob Cornell). I think I know what you want to say, but I'm not coming up with a better alternative. My book Doing Max Vinyl seems to fit in this category, though I personally enjoy reading lots of genres.

I think the last book I reviewed would classify as Realistic Fiction. It is based on the historical creation of Bangladesh: "The Silent and the Lost" by Abu Zubair, who is listed as a Goodreads author.

My review is posted here on Goodreads.


Patricia

*Revised* Ok, here's some very realistic fiction:

My latest book review on my blog:

"India Was One" by an Indian
http://thejoyofthewrittenword.wordpre...
Please visit my blog, enjoy my review, (lots of pictures!), then enjoy the book for yourself!

Patricia

Indian wrote: "@Patricia - Thx for the generous review."

You are most welcome, it is no more than what the book deserved.

I joined this group because it seems that every group is populated with an inordinate number of fantasy lovers. My novel, Rose's Will, has recently been published, and I'm looking for some people who would like to read and review it.

The book began as a memoir. I fictionalized it to add depth and dimension but it's mostly the true story of a lesbian, a blue-collar family man, and a Bulgarian Holocaust survivor, all of whom are connected to Rose, a stubborn, narcissistic, abusive woman. It's gotten unanimous 5-star reviews on Amazon. If you'd like to read and review, sign up here http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7... and let me know if you'd like a mobi, epub, or pdf file. Thanks, and great to be here.

Denise

I write erotica. See my other fotos.

Dannye wrote: "We have a category in the Breakthrough Bookstore that I call "Contemporary Realistic" and to which I gave this definition:
"Contemporary realistic fiction is about people, their problems, and th..."

Yes, I agree. My book Rose's Will is that kind of book. Not fantasy, paranormal, horror, spiritual, just real people having real problems in the real world!

It's disheartening that my book is getting lost in a sea of the above genres. Goodreads has a plethora of YA readers who thrive on the fantastic. Does anyone know of a group that enjoys mature fiction?