[LM_NET] HIT: Genre of Series of Unfortunate Events

[PAT MILLER <pmiller@ACADEMICPLANET.COM>]

It appears that I'm not the only one scratching my head over the question:
In what genre would you classify SUE? The first six respondents each
suggested a different genre: humor, elementary gothic, adventure, realistic
fiction, science fiction and fantasy. Today's replies added 5 more for
humor, another for Gothic and for realistic fiction, and yet another vote
for fantastic realism. That's a genre that is new to me!

 

The most thought-provoking reply was as follows (quoted with permission):

 

We call SUE fantasy - with a caveat. The accumulation of improbabilities,
along with the extreme nature of several characters, settings, and plot
lines, make it a poor fit with realistic fiction. Also, in the course of the
series there are many instances that are essentially impossible to align
with rational experience, similar to typical magic. 

Then again, SUE doesn't have what many people consider as typical elements
of fantasy. This makes it a great example for why labels are almost never
exact, and need to be seen as helpful guides rather than rigid structures to
squeeze into - whether you're talking about book genres or ethnic
distinctions or observations of color or whatever. (Steven Crandell,
Librarian, The American Community School of Abu Dhabi)

 

Thanks to all who replied. I think it could even be a mystery. Aren't they
trying to solve the mystery of their inheritance? Sounds like you could
pretty well pick a genre and be right with this one.

 

Best wishes,

Pat Miller, LMS

Sue Creech Elementary

Katy, TX  




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