Research suggests that the most popular literary theme in fiction is love. No surprise there! But would you like to hazard a guess as to what might be the second most popular?
Surprising? I thought so too-until I sat down and really thought about it. Although seemingly an unpalatable subject (after all, who would want to pin a date on their own death?), it is something that touches us all in our journey through life, defines us in enumerable ways, and influences a fair bit of our thinking process throughout our human existence. The questions surrounding mortality and our continued fight against acceptance that at some point we may just ‘cease to exist’, fuel both religious doctrine, superstitious and spiritualist beliefs, and many many fictional books.
We are constantly and enduringly fascinated with fictional accounts of parallel existence, alternative realities and genetic engineering. Films such as ‘The Fountain’ present immortality as attainable, whilst books such as ‘The Book Thief’ (Markus Zusak) explore the nature of death, in this case by death himself acting as narrator. Mortality is an increasing theme even in children`s literature (Think J.K Rowling`s ‘Harry Potter’ series-with its persuasive theme of death, explored constantly from the death of Harrys parents right through to Voldemort`s final attempt to become immortal). Given that these are indeed fictional works and therefore not entirely based upon reality, why are they so captivating?
Academics suggest that we use this type of fiction as a believable depiction of strange or unknown events. Death, afterlife, immortality, and unknown realities are experiences we cannot try out, or test. Instead, we immerse ourselves in fictional simulations of what might be-a hypothesis in place of what we actually know or can prove. They provide us with a high degree of realism whilst not preaching an assumed truth in the way religion might do so.
In this way, both writers and readers delve far into the realms of what might be; into the imaginations of space and time, and of spirit and body; of other worlds and creatures, and of where we came from along with where we may be going. Without a doubt, as one fictional work builds on another, the fantastical ideas within our minds create more and more compelling and engaging concepts, and many outstanding and superbly written works.
We work with both traditionally published and “indie” authors who have self or independently published books and our mission is simple. It’s to discover new and talented authors and help them give their work the attention and awareness it deserves. We do this by providing professional and credible reviews which are respected by our readers. Our primary focus is on fiction across all genres, non – fiction with broad appeal and selected poetry.
For readers who are fans of large scale science fiction or epic fantasy (and like to take time to reflect on origin stories) then Shattered proves an absolute must-read!
Go back not so many years and an author was just that-an author…. who wrote, and at the most maybe edited their own work. How different things are today!
A highly informative and conversational guide that should help solo professionals and small consulting firms to better assess themselves and leverage their businesses Allyson’s Leveraged Consulting in the Digital Age proves a must-read.
A mysterious illness is ravaging the nation. Those suffering from the dreaded sickness are in so much pain that some victims have peeled the flesh from their bones in a desperate attempt to relieve their symptoms.
Overcoming adversity is an ever-popular theme in children’s books and tales like Larry the Caterpillar’s Groovy Journey have a very special place in the genre.
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