We need more normality in fiction, and we need it now
By: O. M. Lassa
Tags: Books, Life And Books, Books And Authors

I am not arguing the hetero-normative representation of relationships in this piece, nor am I addressing the lack of minorities representation, because we all know the state of literature today. What I want to discuss pertains to the definition of a normal romantic relationship in new adult books.

New adult fiction is a developing genre of fiction with protagonists in the 18–30 age bracket. I, myself, fall into the category of people these books are marketed to, and have been for many years now. So I know how important these books are. And surely, other readers know as well.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, please understand that I am not attacking any writer here. As an aspiring writer myself, I understand the appeal of writing a super sweet romance. I also understand why some writers prefer over the top unrealistic dark romance.

What I don’t understand, as a reader and a writer, is the lack of writers willing to write about the real deal : the relationship between new adults who struggle with their lives and identities.

Granted, some people; the luckiest of us; cruise through their late teens and early twenties. These rare caterpillars soon mutate into social butterflies able to maneuver their ways through relationships.

The reality of the rest of us is somehow harsher. A lot of new adults navigate life equally confused and hopeful. For the majority, failure; especially in relationships; is a known acquaintance and self doubt a constant partner.

But you know what? That’s okay!

Our twenties are the most formative years of our lives. We become aware of ourselves and test our personalities against those of the people we meet and love. We discover our vulnerabilities and become aware of the world and how it impacts us.

Which brings me back to my topic: How lacking heavily marketed new adult fiction is when it comes to the representation of a certain type of relationships.

My message is simple: if you are in the new adult age bracket and cannot find yourself or your relationship in the characters you read, fear not, that is normal. People usually don’t have life figured out by 22. Handsome drug lords who are secretly feminist don’t run the streets, and there is no relationship that goes without arguments.

Which, if you ask me, if totally okay. It must be exhausting to be brilliant at everything you endeavor and find your soulmates before you are 22, all the while never using anything to improve yourself because you are perfect just as you are.

Taking time to find your way in life is the way to go. Mental illness is not something to be ashamed of, and breakups are not a failure. Life is messy and hard, and as long as you are trying your best, you are doing great.

If you are a new adult writer, you are of course free to write whatever you like. But if you happen to favour contemporary literature, please consider addressing realistic relationships in your art.

Do not shy away from vulnerable characters and sad endings. Do not shy away from hard relationships. Raw emotions can be a great addition to your novel and a realistic, sad ending once in a while never hurt anyone.

Ray Bradbury said: “The more truthfully recorded details of life per square inch you can get on a sheet of paper, the more literary you are”