When we read a novel that feels like it could've happened in real life, that's realism at work. Realist literature isn't about fantasy or magic—it's about people, problems, and society as they truly are. These stories often reflect everyday struggles, ordinary lives, and real emotions.

They show us what it's like to live in a certain time or place and help us understand the world through someone else's experience. We might think of classic novels, but realism is everywhere—from school reading lists to modern dramas. And what makes it powerful is its ability to connect fiction with reality.

Where realism came from

Realism as a literary movement started in the 19th century, especially in Europe. It grew as a response to romanticism, which focused more on idealism and emotion. Realist writers, on the other hand, wanted to show life as it really was—messy, complex, and full of challenges.

Authors like Charles Dickens, Gustave Flaubert, and Leo Tolstoy didn't write about heroes or fantasies. Instead, they wrote about workers, families, and everyday choices. Their stories gave a voice to people who were often ignored and helped readers see the world more clearly.

Reflecting society through characters

In realism, characters aren't just fictional—they feel like people we might actually know. They come with flaws, emotions, and backgrounds shaped by the world around them. These characters help us understand social issues from the inside out.

For example, when we read about a struggling single parent or a young person dealing with poverty, we're not just hearing about a problem—we're feeling it. Realism helps us step into another person's shoes and see how systems like class, gender, or education affect real lives.

Realism and history: storytelling with context

Realist literature doesn't just reflect society—it also captures the time period it's written in. Many great realist novels double as history lessons. They describe cities before technology took over, conflicts that changed families forever.

Let's take a story set in the 1800s. It might follow someone working in a factory, struggling with poor pay and harsh conditions. Through this, we learn about industrial life, working-class struggles, and social reforms—without needing a history textbook. Realism shows us how history felt to those who lived it.

Modern realism: still alive today

Realism isn't stuck in the past—it's still very much alive. Today's realist books talk about topics like mental health, job pressure, inequality, identity, or family problems. These stories show us how people are navigating modern life.

Writers like Jhumpa Lahiri, Kazuo Ishiguro, and Celeste Ng continue to explore realistic themes with emotional depth. Even films and TV series often take cues from realism, using storytelling to reflect society's current challenges and values.

What makes realist writing so relatable?

It's the honesty. Realist stories don't sugarcoat things. They don't always have happy endings or clear answers. But that's why we relate to them. Life isn't perfect, and these stories remind us that we're not alone in our struggles.

Whether it's through a quiet conversation between two characters or a description of a crowded city street, realism makes us pause and reflect. It makes us think, "I've been there," or "I know someone like that."

Let's read with new eyes

Next time we pick up a realist novel, let's read not just for the story, but for the world it reveals. What does it say about the society at the time? What are the characters teaching us about life, choices, and values?

Realist literature doesn't just tell stories—it helps us notice things in our own lives that we may have overlooked. It brings awareness, empathy, and sometimes, even a push to change.

What do you think, Lykkers?

Have you ever read a book that made you look at life differently—not because of fantasy, but because it felt so real? We'd love to hear your favorite realist novels or moments that hit home for you. Let's keep the conversation going—because literature doesn't just entertain us, it connects us to the world.