The Wall Street Journal's "Good Literature Is for Everyone" argues that classic literature continues to resonate with new generations, a trend visible in the revival of interest on social media among young readers. These enthusiastic responses to texts like Dostoevsky demonstrate that the power of a good book goes beyond superficial elements.
The article critiques the "cultural revolution" that demanded readers "see themselves" in literature, arguing that this pursuit of direct representation overlooks the universal capacity of enduring fiction to reflect humanity's complexities. Whether characters are human, alien, or animal, or settings are fantastical or real, good books serve as mirrors, revealing fundamental truths about the human condition.
The author recalls Barnes & Noble's controversial 2020 "Diverse Editions" initiative, which attempted to reissue classic novels with new covers to promote representation. This project, featuring books like "Frankenstein" and "Moby-Dick," was designed for characters whose racial identities were not explicit, hoping to appeal to a broad audience. However, it was met with severe backlash and canceled before release due to accusations of "literary blackface."
