Unexpected Classics: How TikTok and Existential Angst Are Driving Book Sales
The book market historically observed predictable sales patterns for classic novels.Yearly bestsellers typically included renowned authors such as Jane Austen, George Orwell, and Charlotte Brontë, consistently appearing on reading lists and in bookstores. However, recent shifts indicate a dramatic departure from this norm, with lesser-known works experiencing unprecedented success.
The Rise of forgotten Authors
Last year, Penguin Classics witnessed an extraordinary phenomenon: Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novella, *white Nights*, becoming its bestselling title, surpassing 100,000 copies sold in the United kingdom. This angsty tale of unrequited love and disillusionment, set in 19th-century Saint Petersburg, resonated deeply with readers. Similarly, Sabahattin Ali’s 1943 novel, *Madonna in a Fur Coat*, has seen a remarkable surge in popularity this year, exceeding even the sales of *Pride and Prejudice* with nearly 30,000 copies sold in the UK.
these novels, characterized by their themes of existential dread and unfulfilled desires, aren’t the typical candidates for blockbuster status. A key factor driving this trend is the parallel between the stories’ settings – periods of significant societal upheaval – and the current global climate. *Madonna in a fur Coat*, as an example, reflects the economic anxieties of the 1920s, mirroring contemporary concerns.
| Title | Author | Approximate UK Sales (2024/2025) | Original publication year |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Nights | Fyodor Dostoevsky | 100,000+ | 1848 |
| Madonna in a Fur Coat | Sabahattin Ali | 30,000 | 1943 |
| Pride and Prejudice | Jane Austen | Under 30,000 | 1813 |
The TikTok Effect & The “internet’s Resident Librarian”
The soaring popularity of these forgotten literary gems isn’t solely based on thematic resonance. Social media, particularly TikTok, has played a pivotal role. Users have lauded *White Nights* as “the most relatable love story ever read,” and “a book that will stay with you forever.” *Madonna in a Fur Coat* has been described as “devastating” and a profound reflection of the soul.
Central to this phenomenon is Jack Edwards, a popular book reviewer on TikTok and YouTube, boasting over 750,000 and 1.5 million followers, respectively. His endorsement of *White Nights* in January 2024, garnering 380,000 likes, substantially boosted the book’s visibility. Edwards highlighted the novella’s surprisingly modern feel and its timeless exploration of love and longing.
He also championed *Madonna in a Fur Coat* as a deeply moving story of yearning and heartbreak,discovered through a project of exploring literature from every nation.
A Hunger for Darkness & Authenticity
The appeal of these melancholic narratives aligns with TikTok’s predominantly younger audience, who frequently enough grapple with intense emotions and feelings of isolation. Publishing Director Jessica Harrison notes these books capture the “heightened emotions and yearning” common during adolescence-especially online-and directly address themes of loneliness.
This trend extends to other works exploring darker themes. Osamu Dazai’s *No Longer Human*, a harrowing tale of despair, became a bestseller despite being available only through US imports. Similarly,the republication of Tove Ditlevsen’s autobiographical trilogy,known for its bleak honesty,has resonated with readers. Are we, as a society, gravitating towards literature that acknowledges and reflects the complexities of modern life?
The Enduring Power of Existential Literature
The growing interest in these emotionally charged novels suggests a broader trend: a desire for literature that confronts the challenging aspects of the human condition. This isn’t a new phenomenon, as existentialist works have consistently gained traction throughout history, particularly during times of uncertainty and social change.
The accessibility provided by social media platforms like TikTok has broadened the reach of these stories, connecting readers with previously overlooked authors and fostering a community around shared emotional experiences. This suggests a shift in reading habits, prioritizing resonant storytelling over traditional literary canon adherence.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rise of Existential Literature
- What is “existential literature”? Existential literature explores themes of meaninglessness, freedom, and individual obligation in a chaotic world.
- Why are these older novels becoming popular now? They reflect the current anxieties and uncertainties in society, appealing to readers seeking validation and connection.
- What role does TikTok play in book sales? TikTok provides a platform for readers to share recommendations and build communities around specific books, boosting their visibility.
- Are these books difficult to read? While dealing with heavy themes, these authors often employ accessible writng styles, making their stories relatable to a wider audience.
- Will this trend continue? The demand for authentic and emotionally resonant stories suggests that this trend will likely persist, with readers continuing to seek solace and understanding in literature.
What draws you to a particular book? Do you find yourself gravitating towards stories that offer comfort, or those that challenge yoru perspectives?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know which classic novels you think deserve a resurgence!
How does the concept of catharsis, as proposed by Aristotle, relate to our enjoyment of angst-ridden literature?
Exploring Literary Angst: Why We’re Captivated by the Soul-Wrenching Depths of Books
The Allure of Melancholy: Understanding Literary Angst
Literary angst, that potent blend of sorrow, existential dread, and emotional turmoil, consistently draws readers into the narratives of characters grappling with profound inner conflicts. But why? Why do we seek out stories that deliberately explore the darker aspects of the human condition? The answer lies in a complex interplay of psychological needs, empathetic connection, and the cathartic power of witnessing struggle. This exploration of emotional depth in literature isn’t about wallowing in sadness; it’s about recognizing and processing global human experiences.
The Psychological Roots of Our Captivation
Several psychological theories attempt to explain our attraction to literary angst.
* Catharsis: Aristotle first proposed the idea of catharsis – the purging of emotions through art. Reading about characters experiencing intense pain, loss, or despair allows us to vicariously experience and process our own difficult emotions in a safe, controlled environment. This is a core element of therapeutic reading.
* Identification & Empathy: We connect with characters who feel deeply, even if their circumstances differ from our own. This empathetic connection fosters understanding and validates our own emotional landscapes. The power of character development is crucial here.
* Existential Exploration: angst frequently enough stems from grappling with essential questions about life, death, meaning, and purpose. Literature provides a space to explore these existential themes without the pressure of finding definitive answers.
* The “Negative Capability” of Keats: John Keats described “negative capability” as the ability to remain in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason. Angst-ridden literature embodies this, allowing us to comfortably inhabit ambiguity.
Key Literary movements & Angst
Throughout literary history, certain movements have especially embraced and amplified themes of angst.
* Romanticism (late 18th – early 19th century): While often associated with beauty and nature, Romanticism also explored the darker side of human emotion, focusing on individual experience, isolation, and the sublime. Think of the tormented heroes in the works of Lord Byron and Mary Shelley. This era laid the groundwork for future explorations of gothic literature and psychological realism.
* Existentialism (mid-20th century): Authors like Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Franz Kafka directly confronted the absurdity of existence, the burden of freedom, and the inevitability of death. Their works are quintessential examples of existentialist literature.
* Modernism (early-mid 20th century): A reaction to the perceived certainties of the Victorian era, Modernism often depicted alienation, fragmentation, and the loss of meaning in a rapidly changing world. james Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and T.S. Eliot are key figures.The focus shifted to stream of consciousness and internal psychological states.
* Postmodernism (late 20th – 21st century): Building on Modernism, Postmodernism often embraces irony, skepticism, and a rejection of grand narratives, further amplifying feelings of uncertainty and disillusionment.
Case Studies: Iconic Examples of literary Angst
let’s examine how angst manifests in specific works:
* Hamlet (william Shakespeare): Hamlet’s indecision, grief, and contemplation of mortality are archetypal expressions of angst. his famous “To be or not to be” soliloquy is a cornerstone of Shakespearean tragedy and a profound exploration of existential despair.
* The Metamorphosis (Franz Kafka): Gregor Samsa’s transformation into an insect is a powerful metaphor for alienation, isolation, and the dehumanizing effects of modern life. This novella exemplifies absurdist fiction.
* The Bell Jar (Sylvia plath): Esther Greenwood’s descent into mental illness is a brutally honest and unflinching portrayal of depression, societal pressures, and the search for identity. A landmark work in confessional poetry and feminist literature.
* One Hundred Years of Solitude (Gabriel García Márquez): The cyclical nature of history, the inevitability of fate, and the loneliness of the human condition are central themes in this masterpiece of magical realism.
Benefits of Engaging with Angsty Literature
Beyond catharsis and empathy,reading literature that explores difficult emotions can offer several benefits:
* Increased Self-awareness: By witnessing characters grapple with their inner demons,we can gain a deeper understanding of our own motivations,fears,and vulnerabilities.
* Enhanced Emotional Intelligence: Exposure to a wide range of emotional experiences, even vicariously, can improve our ability to recognize and understand emotions in ourselves and others.
* Greater Resilience: Seeing characters overcome adversity (or succumb to it) can provide inspiration and perspective in our own lives.
* Improved Critical thinking: Analyzing the complexities of angsty characters and narratives can sharpen our critical thinking skills and our ability to interpret nuanced meaning.
Practical Tips for finding Angsty Reads
* Explore Award-Winning Literature: The Pulitzer Prize, the Booker Prize, and the National Book Award often recognize works that tackle challenging themes.
* Seek Out Classics: Many classic novels and plays are
