Literary fiction

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Literary fiction—also called serious fiction, high literature, artistic literature, or sometimes just literature—encompasses fiction that is more character-driven than plot-driven, examines the human condition, or is considered 'serious art' by critics. These labels are typically used in contrast to genre fiction, which refers to books that fit into established categories of the book trade and place more value on entertainment and appealing to a mass audience. Literary fiction can also be called non-genre fiction and is often considered by fans and critics of literary fiction to have more artistic merit than genre fiction. Some categories of literary fiction, such as historical fiction, magic realism, autobiographical novels, and encyclopedic novels, are frequently called genres without being considered genre fiction. Some authors are seen as writing literary equivalents or precursors to established genres while still maintaining the division between commercial and literary fiction. Examples...

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