The saddest of stories, beautifully told: a guide to the Miles Franklin 2021 shortlist

From Robbie Arnott’s eco-dystopia to Amanda Lohrey’s sprawling sea change, the six chosen novels shimmer with energy, tenderness and optimism

Since Aristotle, humans have pondered the role and function of fictional narratives. Now, there is general agreement the reading of fiction builds empathy, supports our capacity for uncertainty and ambiguity, and offers new perspectives on the world.

Perhaps it is writers reaching for this combination of emotion and reflection which leads to complaints literary fiction is unremittingly bleak. But even the saddest of stories, well told, can be leavened by captivating use of language, rich portraiture and, very often, veins of humour.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/3yYHeOA
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