Kashyap, Aruni
TR 12:45 PM
Park Hall 251
What is Upmarket Literary Fiction? Who writes it, and for what purpose and whom? A relatively new term in contemporary publishing, Upmarket Literary Fiction is widely accepted as literary fiction that is commercially viable, well written but also plot-driven; fiction that is widely read but does not shy away from handling controversial social issues or making a political gesture. This is a loose and broad definition of the term, and so is my selection of texts.
In this course, we will examine how Multicultural American Writers approach this genre by studying five novels that are not only mega-bestsellers but also provide sharp (sometimes satirical) social commentary on contemporary publishing, the cost of religious fundamentalism, queer life, patriarchy or race politics. During the semester, we will discuss a wide range of topics that contemporary multicultural writers are engaged in through fiction, essays, and public commentary and, in the process, try to understand how the pressure to be successful commercially has changed the literary landscape of the US, what is the value of the mythical and elusive upmarket literary novel and how it silences radical voices and radical modes of expression and storytelling. In short, what is lost, and what is gained as more and more writers describe their work or aspire to reach this sweet spot of commercial and critical success.