What do you consider as great literature? further more, what divides writing from a form of entertainment ala grisham, collins and writing as an art ala too many people to mention – sammy o
Great literature (to me) is literature that does more than entertain. It provokes articulate discussion that is not based on controversy or scandal (although sometimes it can have both!). People are improved somehow after reading it. The human condition is understood. It is well-written. The author cares about style and substance. It’s not designed to be filler. You can’t possibly read it on the subway because it demands your full attention.
I think The Princess Bride is great literature. I also think Proust qualifies. Grisham, I’m afraid, does not. There is value in Grisham. I like Grisham, on the plane or on vacation. But I don’t have to work to read Grisham or Rowling. I have to work when I read Virginia Woolf, and I enjoy ever second of it. That’s great literature.
