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There is nothing quite like the escape that reading fiction
offers. Unlike television, reading allows the imagination to soar without the
constraints of visual limitations, and it surpasses radio listening in both
quality and personal choice. The abundance of fiction available means that
individuals can choose books that cater to their individual tastes and
interests. Whether it's a public library or a stack of paperbacks, the world of
fiction is always at one's fingertips.
Reading fiction offers windows into the world, whether it be the past or
present. Works like Robert Graves' "I, Claudius" and "Claudius and God" provide
a glimpse into the Imperial Roman Empire, while Jane Austen's "Persuasion"
explores the relationships of early 18th-century English country gentry. Some
fictional works delve into the reactions of people to significant national
events, like the portrayal of the Napoleonic Wars in Tolstoy's "War and Peace"
and the Russian Revolution in Pasternak's "Dr. Zhivago." Other works focus more
on personal relationships. The beauty of fiction is that it offers something for
every taste, mood, and interest.
Fiction can also provide an escape from reality, especially after a demanding
day at work. The imaginative worlds of science fiction, like Arthur C. Clarke's
works, offer an escape from our own world. Light and amusing fiction is also
available for those in search of a more relaxed read. Humor, however, is often
culturally specific, so what may be funny to one reader may not be to another.
For example, the adventures of a provincial English veterinary surgeon in James
Herriott's stories may be hilarious to an English reader but confusing to an
American. On the other hand, raconteurs like David Niven, who has spent much of
his life in Hollywood, are able to pin down the foibles of both nations, making
his works enjoyable to readers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Thrillers, mysteries, and horror stories also have a large following. Edgar
Allan Poe set the trend for horror stories, which were followed by many others,
such as Dennis Wheatley and William Peter Blatty, author of "The Exorcist." The
most popular sub-genre of mystery, however, is the "whodunit," as the acts of
violence serve as intellectual puzzles to be solved. Agatha Christie, Georges
Simenon, and many others, have written captivating works in this genre.
In the 20th century, three genres have gained widespread popularity: adventure
thrillers (represented by Alistair MacLean and Hammond Innes), spy mysteries
(with John Le Carré as a notable exponent), and modern novels based on
researched subjects, like airports, hotels, and banks. While the classics are
not mentioned in this essay, it's important to remember that they too were
popular literature in their day and continue to be read for pleasure.
In conclusion, reading fiction provides an escape from reality, an opportunity
to learn about the world and its people, and the chance to indulge in one's
mood, taste, and interests. Whether it's a classic, a thriller, or a
light-hearted read, fiction has something for everyone. |
