Interesting comments on literary merit, Jack. I have had to
deal with this same thing. Here is my take on how I think of
it when I am discussing mystery or crime fiction as a fan. If
authors do not extend themselves beyond the easy boundaries
of the genre, they may have merit for entertainment. But
literary merit is only achieved if authors push themselves
into challenging areas. I like to mention theme as the most
common place where genre novels fail and novels of literary
merit succeed. But, literary merit can be achieve with the
use of language, character development, or style as
well.
I once met a theater critic who said he would enjoy an
amateur production as much as a professional because he had a
different level of expectation when he viewed them. I like to
think that is how I approach reading. I can have fun reading
Richard Prather and enjoy Raymond Chandler. I just know not
to hold them up to the same standard of literary merit.
Best, Gary Warren Niebuhr P. O. Box 341218 Milwaukee, WI
53234
piesbook@execpc.com http://my.execpc.com/~piesbook/piescatalog.html
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