Literary Merit of Bestselling Novels : a case study of Elena Ferrante's my brilliant friend (2012)

Abstract

The present paper addresses the issue of bestselling novels and the status and position they hold in the literary sphere. It calls attention to the disdainful and depreciating views towards bestsellers as it reveals the diverse perspectives prevailing in academia. Indeed, it highlights and emphasizes the literary quality of contemporary literary production. Accordingly, it undertakes the investigation and scrutiny of Elena Ferrante’s international bestseller My Brilliant Friend’s literary merit. In the light of Harold Bloom’s thorough approach addressing canonical status, the present study displays the various literary criteria and qualities that Ferrante’s work implies. In general terms, this research work looks into what is considered genuine literature as it explores the concept of literary merit.