Fictional freedom

Are some mainstream publishers threatening literary freedom with too keen a sense of political correctness?

Kirsty Gunn has highlighted Lionel Shriver’s criticism of Penguin Random House for its emphasis on trying to attract authors reflecting ethnic origin, sexuality, gender and disability (Perspective, 18 June). She is understandably concerned that what should matter is the quality of the writing and not the background or orientation of the author.

That is one issue. Of equal importance is the disturbing trend towards trying to discourage novels that might deal with some of the more complex, indeed, distressing, problems of our time.

They include paedophilia, gang rape, violence against women, sexual harassment, incest and terrorism. A number of modern books try to take the author deep into the mind of the psychopath; arguably the authors risk the accusation that they are trying to glorify some of the darker aspects of human nature. They may often face the accusation that they are somehow in the vanguard of a movement to demean women, encouraging those who would delight in putting their safety at risk. Against that is the argument that only by drawing attention to the worst elements of human behaviour can we possibly learn how to deal and cope with it.

This is a debate that the world of literature needs to have. But I hope for the sake of freedom it supports the right of authors to deal with them in whatever way they think is right. For publishers, there is a duty to make sure that they are not unduly influenced by modern agendas. In the final analysis the readers of these books can pass judgement on their morality. Publishers should make sure their freedom to do so is preserved.

BOB TAYLOR Shiel Court, Glenrothes