What Is Contemporary Fiction?
If you love reading stories set in the present world, featuring characters that feel real and relatable, chances are you’ve already read contemporary fiction even if you didn’t realise it. But what exactly is contemporary fiction?
In simple terms, contemporary fiction refers to stories that are set in the present time or very recent past, dealing with real-life situations, emotions, and everyday human experiences. These stories feel like they could happen right now or may be happening around us already.
Contemporary Fiction Meaning in Simple Words
Let’s break it down:
- Contemporary = modern, current, today’s world
- Fiction = made-up story or imaginary narrative
So, contemporary fiction means made-up stories set in the present-day world, featuring characters who face the kinds of problems and decisions that real people deal with.
It’s not fantasy.
It’s not historical.
It’s not science fiction.
It’s realistic fiction grounded in now.
What Makes a Book “Contemporary Fiction”?
There’s no official rulebook, but contemporary fiction usually shares a few common traits:
1. Modern Setting
These stories are set in the world as we know it maybe in a city like Delhi, London, or New York with mobile phones, traffic, Wi-Fi, and everything else we experience today.
2. Relatable Characters
The people in these stories feel like someone you know. Maybe they’re dealing with breakups, job pressure, family drama, or trying to figure out their identity.
3. Real-World Problems
Contemporary fiction explores themes like relationships, mental health, career choices, cultural clashes, loss, social issues, and identity. It’s emotional, personal, and often introspective.
4. No Magic or Time Travel
There’s nothing supernatural or historical here. No dragons, time machines, or alternate universes. Just the real world and the messiness of human life.
How Contemporary Fiction Is Different from Other Genres
Here’s how it stands out compared to other types of fiction:
| Genre | Setting | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Contemporary Fiction | Present day | Realistic characters, everyday life |
| Historical Fiction | Past eras | Based on real events/history |
| Science Fiction | Future or alternate worlds | Technology-driven, speculative |
| Fantasy | Imaginary worlds | Magic, mythical creatures |
| Romance | Can be present or past | Focuses on love and relationships |
Contemporary fiction can have romance, but the story isn’t just about falling in love it’s more about what love feels like in today’s world, with all its complications.
Why Is Contemporary Fiction So Popular?
Because it speaks to our hearts. We see ourselves in the characters. We understand their choices. Their journeys mirror ours.
Here’s why readers (and even writers) love it:
- It feels personal — like reading about a friend’s life.
- It reflects society — gender roles, cultural norms, mental health awareness, etc.
- It helps us understand ourselves better — especially when we see our own thoughts and struggles echoed in fiction.
Examples of Contemporary Fiction Books
Here are a few popular and loved books that fall into this genre:
- Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
- Normal People by Sally Rooney
- The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
- It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
You’ll notice these aren’t fantasy or crime thrillers. They’re just about people dealing with life in their own unique ways.
Can Contemporary Fiction Include Romance or Drama?
Absolutely. In fact, most contemporary fiction does include romance, friendship, family issues, or emotional drama but with a modern, realistic touch.
Example:
A woman in her late 30s trying to balance a stressful job, take care of aging parents, and navigate a long-distance relationship that’s a classic setup for a contemporary novel.
The key difference? It’s rooted in today’s social and emotional reality.
Is Contemporary Fiction the Same as Literary Fiction?
Not exactly. There’s some overlap, but they’re not the same.
- Contemporary fiction focuses on modern stories.
- Literary fiction focuses on depth, language, and character-driven storytelling and can be from any time period.
A contemporary novel can be literary if it’s written with artistic language and deep themes. But not all contemporary fiction is literary fiction.
Think of it this way:
All squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares.
Contemporary Fiction in Indian Writing
Indian authors have done an excellent job in the contemporary fiction space. Some examples include:
- 2 States by Chetan Bhagat — modern love story with cultural conflict
- The Zoya Factor by Anuja Chauhan — cricket, luck, and life in modern India
- The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga — a dark look at class inequality
- Girl in White Cotton by Avni Doshi — a mother-daughter story full of tension
These books reflect modern Indian realities which is what makes them so relatable.
Should You Read Contemporary Fiction?
If you’re someone who:
- Enjoys reading about emotions and relationships
- Likes realistic characters and settings
- Wants stories that reflect your world
…then contemporary fiction is definitely for you.
It’s also a great genre for new readers, because it’s easy to understand and emotionally engaging. You don’t need to learn new worlds or fantasy rules just dive in and feel.
So Finally Why Contemporary Fiction Matters?
In a fast-paced world, contemporary fiction allows us to pause and reflect on what it means to be human today.
It doesn’t escape reality.
It faces it, questions it, and explores it through the lives of believable characters.
And in doing so, it often gives us clarity about our own thoughts, values, and relationships.
So the next time someone asks you, “What’s contemporary fiction meaning?”, you’ll know exactly how to explain it.
