The interesting question at this point is not whether fan fiction can be
good, by familiar literary standards. (Of course it can; cf. Virgil.)
Rather, it’s this: What is fan fiction especially, or uniquely, good at,
or good for?Whooo, awesome review in the New Yorker of Francesca Coppa’s book and fanfic in general. ❤ ❤ ❤
I AM DYING
THIS IS SO GOOD
I HAVE NEVER SEEN A MAINSTREAM ARTICLE (like, New Yorker mainstream) ABOUT FIC THAT’S THIS GOOD
And it’s by a guy, who’s an English professor at Harvard, which shouldn’t matter but it does. People will respect his opinion.
To clarify: Steph is a trans woman. She’s still an English professor at Harvard. I know that people will see the Stephen byline and assume it’s written by a man, but I want to get that on the record.
I’m so happy with this piece! Not least because The Rec Center is namechecked so thoughtfully! Though it has been amusing to see the “omg my recs have been in a newsletter mentioned by The New Yorker” reactions from people who apparently don’t realize the newsletter is co-edited by someone who’s has worked at the magazine for 9 years and continues to do so. (Though I had nothing to do with this article!!)
This is awesome!!
Question of Smoke 