Why Fiction As Escapism is Healthy

Is fiction as escapism healthy? A reader recently contacted me with the following questions:

• What makes you pick up a fiction book?
• Have you ever selected a fiction book as a means of escapism from your problems?
• Many people read fiction as a means of escapism from daily problems and challenging circumstances. Do you think this practice is healthy? If yes why, if no why?
• Are there any downsides to using fiction as a way to escape our

I answer each one in turn.

Q: What makes you pick up a fiction book?

A: Often fiction offers that gateway to another world, that’s different to yours — the opportunity to vicariously experience something you’d absolutely love to but cannot in your present reality. Alternatively, fiction allows you to escape your current reality which might be challenging right now.

When I am looking for either that incredible vicarious experience or just an escape from current reality, I’ll pick up a fiction book. I love disappearing down rabbit holes, so I’d call myself a ‘cluster’ reader — I.e. I might end up focusing on one genre with a specific style or one author whose work I love. For example, I really enjoy reading the Japanese author Mieko Kawakami’s work and have been devouring her…