In which we consider the current trend of Sad Girl novels and what their critical and commercial reception says about the current landscape of literature
This is so interesting and I have definitely been one who is interested in this genre (?) in general, though I think it’s more ~just vibes~ than genre or style. And I think it’s interesting that everyone gets different vibes? I would absolutely put Your Driver Is Waiting and Post-Traumatic in this category--I think the appeal of the sad girl lit for me is seeing real, flawed women, living their lives, whether they are trying to change it or not, and I like seeing lives that sort of look like mine sometimes when I am badly and deep in depression. It’s not pretty or fun or glamorous and I like reading about all different women navigating this, especially when it intersects with other forces or issues.
I like that they’re not perfect and even unlikeable because everyone is different and they feel like real people to me. Even ones that may be frustrating and maddening. Love this discussion and I’m going to be thinking about it for a while!
This is an interesting discussion to me because of the social media aspect and the accounts that seem to embody the sad girl aesthetic on their feeds like a personality trait from Tumblr, and therefore more like a cultural criticism than a literary one. I see plenty of accounts that have this muted side-window-lit look full of colorful books about depressed or “unhinged” narrators and the tons of content created around the vibe.
Perhaps this is where some of the criticism comes from but also where it goes to die – when you are young and angsty, especially as you note those who have time or energy to be angsty, it feels like its you against everyone else who “doesn’t get it”. There really is no perspective at that age. It’s important to tell all kinds of stories, even problematic ones, but maybe making it our entire personality is where it goes too far. Like grapple with the sad girl in you and then recognize your privilege and move on (those with an actual medical diagnosis exempt of course).
Another one I think fits into this category is Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler. I’ve definitely related to this category, especially when I was in my early twenties. Now I’m in my mid-thirties and can see the limitations of the genre more clearly.
I rewatched some of Girls earlier this year. Some aspects are painfully cringey, but the show was so smart in what it was doing.
Your post also makes me want to read Excavations - I put My Dark Vanessa down because I wasn't interested in more fiction exploring the themes present, but would be curious about a memoir given the context you provided!
This is so interesting and I have definitely been one who is interested in this genre (?) in general, though I think it’s more ~just vibes~ than genre or style. And I think it’s interesting that everyone gets different vibes? I would absolutely put Your Driver Is Waiting and Post-Traumatic in this category--I think the appeal of the sad girl lit for me is seeing real, flawed women, living their lives, whether they are trying to change it or not, and I like seeing lives that sort of look like mine sometimes when I am badly and deep in depression. It’s not pretty or fun or glamorous and I like reading about all different women navigating this, especially when it intersects with other forces or issues.
I like that they’re not perfect and even unlikeable because everyone is different and they feel like real people to me. Even ones that may be frustrating and maddening. Love this discussion and I’m going to be thinking about it for a while!
This is an interesting discussion to me because of the social media aspect and the accounts that seem to embody the sad girl aesthetic on their feeds like a personality trait from Tumblr, and therefore more like a cultural criticism than a literary one. I see plenty of accounts that have this muted side-window-lit look full of colorful books about depressed or “unhinged” narrators and the tons of content created around the vibe.
Perhaps this is where some of the criticism comes from but also where it goes to die – when you are young and angsty, especially as you note those who have time or energy to be angsty, it feels like its you against everyone else who “doesn’t get it”. There really is no perspective at that age. It’s important to tell all kinds of stories, even problematic ones, but maybe making it our entire personality is where it goes too far. Like grapple with the sad girl in you and then recognize your privilege and move on (those with an actual medical diagnosis exempt of course).
That's so funny. I've been describing all the sad girl novels I've read as "Lena Dunham-y." Glad to have the name Sad Girl Novel now!
Another one I think fits into this category is Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler. I’ve definitely related to this category, especially when I was in my early twenties. Now I’m in my mid-thirties and can see the limitations of the genre more clearly.
I rewatched some of Girls earlier this year. Some aspects are painfully cringey, but the show was so smart in what it was doing.
Your post also makes me want to read Excavations - I put My Dark Vanessa down because I wasn't interested in more fiction exploring the themes present, but would be curious about a memoir given the context you provided!
Great post / thoughts / words <3
Loved this dissection of the Sad Girl Novel, and think you hit on some of the problematic areas around privilege and who gets to publish their work.