If I were still in college, I could absolutely see myself writing an entire essay on this topic!
Cozy literature: a new sub-genre that I’d argue has emerged recently as a result of readers seeking comfort and connection in a world, one might argue, that is becoming increasingly tense and disconnected (or so it’s being portrayed).
Similar to slice-of-life fiction, I find cozy literature to be character-driven and introspective. Some books I’ve read recently that fits this category would include Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot novellas and the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series. The settings are idyllic – nature, libraries, coffee shops, etc. – and the characters reflect on life.
What are your thoughts? Do you think this is a sub-genre that will continue to grow? Why do people seek out this type of literature?
by onewild-preciouslife
5 Comments
r/cozyfantasy
r/cozymystery
and not books but on theme r/cozygamers
It’s a stressful world.
It’s not new. Cozy mysteries are decades old. Low stakes fiction and popcorn is also old. The cozy SFF is just the English world copying Asian light novels and anime. Hell, the idea was already in children lit when you consider Howl’s Moving Castle, Redwall, and a lot of older books.
Are you talking about cozy books in literary fiction specifically? Just trying to figure out what you’ve noticed that makes this a new genre. I know litfic tends to be a bit moody and dark, but there is no shortage of warm, comfy, cozy, nostalgic, etc. musings on life and character studies in the genre.
You’ll probably like the Lady Hardcastle series
It’s been around for awhile but sort of re-emerged lately thanks to some TikTok/booktok hype and I think it’s a good thing. Cozy literature is just so warm and inviting.
I’d argue that The Hobbit is the OG of cozy fantasy reads. And books like Little Women which was published in 1868.
I just finished the Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and it was INCREDIBLY cozy!