A recent article in The Guardian, which highlighted declining sales for factual books, has sparked a lively debate among the newspaper's readers. The piece, published on 17 December, suggested that in an era of 'gathering darkness', many are turning to fiction for escapism, while nonfiction is seen as bleakly grappling with harsh realities.
A False Dichotomy Between Fact and Fiction
In a letter to the editor, reader Peter Ross from Glasgow has challenged this perspective as a false dichotomy. Ross contends that the finest works of nonfiction can provide just as much aesthetic satisfaction as a great novel or poetry collection. He passionately argues that factual writing is not solely a medium for confronting grim truths but can also be a profound source of consolation, wisdom, and light for readers navigating difficult times.
Other Voices from the Letters Page
The same letters page, dated 17 December, featured other personal reflections from Guardian readers. Lynn Fotheringham from Over Kellet, Lancashire, offered a whimsical suggestion for those apprehensive about driving at night. She proposed that the disappointment of staying in could be alleviated by revisiting nostalgic items stored away in old 35mm film canisters from earlier life stages.
Meanwhile, Irene Jones from Broxted, Essex, shared her standard response to the common greeting 'how are you?'. She replies, 'ticking over, thank you', implying a state of being stationary—neither progressing nor declining.
A Pointed Question on Language and Crime
In a separate but pointed contribution referencing a report from 18 December, Judy Harrington from London raised a question about media terminology concerning the Jeffrey Epstein case. Harrington asked why Epstein and his associates are never described in the same terms often used for other criminal groups, specifically querying, 'Why are Jeffrey Epstein and his "friends" never referred to as a white grooming gang?'
The Guardian continues to invite opinions from its readers, encouraging them to email letters for potential publication in its dedicated letters section.
