A new phenomenon has emerged in the world of classic literature, with sales patterns defying tradition. Fyodor Dostoevsky's White Nights and Sabahattin Ali's Madonna in a Fur Coat have become surprise hits, selling tens of thousands of copies in the UK this year alone. What sets these books apart is their anguished stories of frustrated love, set against the backdrop of existential dread.
The key to their appeal lies not only in their timeless themes but also in the medium through which they are being consumed. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have played a significant role in fueling the surge in popularity for these books. Influencers like Jack Edwards, the UK's most popular bookish social media star, with millions of followers on both platforms, have championed White Nights and Madonna in a Fur Coat, further amplifying their reach.
Edwards' endorsement has been particularly influential, as his opinions carry significant weight among his massive online following. For him, the appeal of these books lies in their modernity, despite being written centuries ago. He sees in them "themes of wanting to love and be loved" that resonate deeply with contemporary readers.
Similarly, Edwards fell under the spell of Madonna in a Fur Coat during a series where he discovered books from around the world. The Turkish author's 1943 novel has captured his imagination, with its exploration of yearning, heartbreak, and existential crisis. Edwards appreciates how these stories transcend time, offering a unique perspective on human emotions that remains relevant today.
The appetite for existential literature is clear, as evidenced by the success of authors like Osamu Dazai, Tove Ditlevsen, and Ágota Kristóf. Their works have resonated with readers in recent years, particularly among younger generations who are drawn to the darker aspects of human experience.
Penguin has taken notice of this trend and is adapting its publishing strategy accordingly. The introduction of a new series of classics in translation aims to cater to the growing demand for existential literature. This move highlights the publisher's willingness to explore uncharted territory, providing readers with a wider range of perspectives on the human condition.
As long as readers continue to seek out darkness in society through art, these authors' works will undoubtedly remain relevant. White Nights and Madonna in a Fur Coat may have started as unlikely bestsellers, but their impact has been cemented by the power of social media and the enduring appeal of existential literature.
The key to their appeal lies not only in their timeless themes but also in the medium through which they are being consumed. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have played a significant role in fueling the surge in popularity for these books. Influencers like Jack Edwards, the UK's most popular bookish social media star, with millions of followers on both platforms, have championed White Nights and Madonna in a Fur Coat, further amplifying their reach.
Edwards' endorsement has been particularly influential, as his opinions carry significant weight among his massive online following. For him, the appeal of these books lies in their modernity, despite being written centuries ago. He sees in them "themes of wanting to love and be loved" that resonate deeply with contemporary readers.
Similarly, Edwards fell under the spell of Madonna in a Fur Coat during a series where he discovered books from around the world. The Turkish author's 1943 novel has captured his imagination, with its exploration of yearning, heartbreak, and existential crisis. Edwards appreciates how these stories transcend time, offering a unique perspective on human emotions that remains relevant today.
The appetite for existential literature is clear, as evidenced by the success of authors like Osamu Dazai, Tove Ditlevsen, and Ágota Kristóf. Their works have resonated with readers in recent years, particularly among younger generations who are drawn to the darker aspects of human experience.
Penguin has taken notice of this trend and is adapting its publishing strategy accordingly. The introduction of a new series of classics in translation aims to cater to the growing demand for existential literature. This move highlights the publisher's willingness to explore uncharted territory, providing readers with a wider range of perspectives on the human condition.
As long as readers continue to seek out darkness in society through art, these authors' works will undoubtedly remain relevant. White Nights and Madonna in a Fur Coat may have started as unlikely bestsellers, but their impact has been cemented by the power of social media and the enduring appeal of existential literature.
I'm loving how bookish influencers like Jack Edwards are giving classic novels a modern twist 
Their TikTok videos have me SO invested in these books, especially Fyodor Dostoevsky's White Nights - it sounds soooo emotional 
What's with the resurgence of existential literature? Is it because we're all just really anxious about life? 
I mean, I've heard great things about Sabahattin Ali's Madonna in a Fur Coat, but how do you guys know if these authors are "good" writers if they haven't even written books yet? 
Are there going to be more book challenges or discover-the-classics series on TikTok?! 
. Anyway, I think this trend is here to stay, and I'm excited to see what other unexpected classics might be waiting to be uncovered 
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. And yet, here we are, with Fyodor Dostoevsky and Sabahattin Ali being championed by book influencers and selling tens of thousands of copies in the UK alone! It's wild to think that something from the 19th century can still resonate so deeply with people today 
. I've noticed that there's a lot of interest in these authors among Gen Z and millennials... maybe we're seeing a shift towards more mature themes in YA lit? 
they're trying to tap into the vibe of younger readers who are all about that dark, angsty stuff 
Only time will tell...
It's not surprising to me that TikTok is fueling this trend - those short-form vids can be so captivating! And I gotta say, Jack Edwards' enthusiasm for White Nights and Madonna in a Fur Coat has definitely helped put these books on the map 
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. More authors like Osamu Dazai, Tove Ditlevsen, and Ágota Kristóf need to be on our radar - their works are giving us so much depth and complexity that's hard to find in contemporary fiction 
. Who knows what other hidden gems we'll discover along the way?