When you think of novels, your mind immediately goes to a place where reading is a pursuit of knowledge and experience. Classics, non-fiction, or excellently written stories come to mind. These are the books that, in many cases, built us into who we are today, with the characters becoming central figures of comfort in our own lives.
Speaking as somebody who began her deep interest in novels and stories over five years ago and who takes comfort in the books she reads, I can vouch for how terrifying it is that novels are becoming so shallow.
I am sure many of you who are reading this have social media and are familiar with “book tok.” A space on social media where book lovers can discuss their favorite novels, and this is extremely effective at getting people into reading and having deep conversations about these books. However, in recent days, it is clear that the new type of novels being mass-produced and pumped out are a reflection of what is happening in our modern-day culture.
Today, romance novels take the cake in terms of production as well as advertisement. I would like to make it clear that there is nothing wrong with romance novels. Many of the greatest stories ever written center around that very topic. It is clear in the modern day, however, that “romance” novels are becoming less about a succinct connection between two people and are instead measured in the amount of “spice” they contain. Gone are the days of Mr. Darcy’s silent longing, Robbie, and Cecelia’s deep understanding, and Gatsby’s over-the-top parties. Today, novels are reduced to their tropes, most notably enemies-to-lovers or forced marriage.
I have read a few of these novels, and they always left me feeling so empty. There is rarely a proper connection formed between the two characters, and it seems that the plot only exists to string together the enormous amount of intimate scenes. Essentially, these novels serve no other purpose than being modernized and easily accessible pornographic material, void of any real meaning.
This is not a critique of modern writers, and I am not speaking about this to come across as elitist. The majority of my favorite novels have been written in the last fifteen years. I have cried with these characters, loved with them, and lost with them. I am speaking about this topic due to my immense love of fiction and my desire to ensure it is not reduced to make-out scenes.
It brings into question “why are these novels being promoted?”
When you look at the current political climate and events going on worldwide, it is obvious we are in the middle of an attack on the middle class, education, and curiosity.
It is easier to control people when they have no knowledge to fall back onto. This extends to books. We have seen a remarkable amount of novels being banned with no real reason other than them just discussing difficult topics, and or being critical of the government. At the very same time this is happening, the rise of smut-based books is simultaneously rising.
This loss of meaning in written books, and readers being unwilling to expose themselves to anything beyond solely “happy” reads with large romantic themes, is horrifying.
Additionally, as novels generally become less complex. We can see that they become more and more indistinguishable from AI slop. Bringing forth the question “If AI can write stories similar in quality to what’s most common today, what disguises the human experience?”
We have also seen modern books that are, in fact, deep and complex reads being simplified in their marketing. Often, to appeal to the growing popularity of shallow reads. I was initially drawn to this topic when an online creator described the newly released Alchemised as being “spicy” and “enemies to lovers.” This blatantly ignores the complex themes of loss, sexual assault, and our perception of history.
So the new question becomes “what do we do?”
Constant self-improvement, acquiring knowledge, and curiosity are the main forms of rebellion. Read diverse books from various genres. Don’t limit yourself to only classics; read as much as you can.
The rise of novels based on shallow themes and with motivations only relating to romance or spice cannot continue to grow in popularity. The true essence of reading and writing centers around understanding, humanity, and empathy.
I have lived a thousand lives due to all of the characters I have had the pleasure of experiencing through books. The world I got to briefly live in, and the problems I had to witness and see resolved.
Reading has made me a better person, and will always be a part of my life. I continue to defend this ancient art and novels that reflect the true human spirit.