Author Joanna Trollope recently caused some controversy by expressing her fears that children are “missing out on an enormous amount” by focusing on fantasy novels, such as Twilight and The Hunger Games. She went on to say that authors such as Jane Austen and George Eliot should be taught in schools.
“Although fantasy is a lovely escape, I am not sure it’s much help. Because it is a parallel world, it’s not the one you are wrestling with. The classics, by contrast, can comfort children and give them guidance.”
The comments caused a stir amongst readers and writers. Author Marcus Sedgwick took to his blog in disagreement:
“Every week I am delighted, though not surprised, to meet hundreds of our country’s engaging young people, reading all sorts of things, from Twilight to Wild Swans to Captain Underpants to, yes, shock of all shocks, Jane Austen. Personally, I believe the main thing is that they’re reading, and enjoying what they’re reading, for that opens the doorway not only to the vast world of literature; it can also lead to the desire to embrace diversity, something Joanna Trollope seems unwilling to do.”
Sue Barsby, one of our Austen bloggers also had disagrees with Joanna Trollope:
“This kind of statement is part of the nostalgia mindset that’s with us so much these days. Things were better back in the day, you know before women started working outside the home, before the war, before the internet or whatever plague of modern living scares you the most. So the classics, books you regard as cosy, from a rosy time, are held up as being more relevant than something modern and popular and scary.”
What do you think?
We’re keen to hear what you think. Is all reading for pleasure valuable? Are some books more worthwhile than others? Let us know which side of the debate you support by adding your comments below.
