Sebastian
Sebastian asked Rhys Bowen:

Hey i was wondering if you could answer a question for me, I’ve been trying to find out what the difference is between a light novel and “serious literature.” Anyway I was thinking like is something like psycho considered a light novel or what about like short stories from Charles Beaumont or is that considered serious literature?

Rhys Bowen I suppose a light novel is one that is read for enjoyment only--many cozy mysteries and romances, for example. Serious literature should transcend time and place, should say something meaningful, should relate to the human condition. This does not mean that mystery novels are never serious literature--there are some mystery writers who can compete with the best "serious" writers. Denis Lehane, Reginald Hill, Jacqueline Winspear, Louise Penny all write books that go into depth of characterization. I think some of my books qualify: The Tuscan Child, for example. Serious literature does not equal dull and boring with no plot!

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