When someone recommends a new book, the first question most readers instinctively ask is "What's it about?" However, according to literary critic Elena Shalneva writing for Quillette, this seemingly natural inquiry represents a fundamental misunderstanding of how imaginative fiction operates and what it aims to achieve.

Shalneva argues that focusing primarily on plot summary or thematic content misses the deeper purpose that drives creative literature. Rather than serving as mere vehicles for delivering specific messages or entertaining storylines, works of imaginative fiction function on a more profound level that transcends simple narrative description.

The critic suggests that the true value of literary fiction lies not in its surface-level subject matter, but in its capacity to engage readers in ways that cannot be easily summarized or categorized. This approach challenges conventional wisdom about how we should evaluate and discuss literature in both academic and casual settings.

By questioning this common reader response, Shalneva opens up a broader conversation about literary appreciation and the fundamental relationship between authors, texts, and audiences. Her perspective invites readers to reconsider their expectations and approach to imaginative works with a more nuanced understanding of their artistic purposes.