PREFERENCE FOR FICTION

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25161, 17 April 1947, Page 2

PREFERENCE FOR FICTION

READING INTERESTS OF WOMEN

What type of literature is the average woman interested in reading? Inguiries from the Canterbury Public ibrary, and from other libraries in Christchurch, reveal that women’s main interest is still in fiction. The reserve list for several recently published novels by well-known authors showed, however, an even balance between men and women readers. The principal demand for what is classed as “light fiction” is said to be from elderly women readers. Women who do read non-fiction show fairly definite reading trends. A glance through the index cards of books taken out on a recent da v at the public library showed that among women readers the two most popular sections of non-fiction literature were biography and travel. Drama is also popular and new drama nublications are reserved mainly by women. Very few books on music, art. politics, or international affairs are taken out by women.

Films and plays presented in the city seem to influence reading interests considerably and after the showing of any biographical film or a film based on a well-known novel there is always a demand for the book. It is interesting to note that interest in publications on women’s movements has evidently been aroused by the recent women’s rally held in Christchurch. Since the rally there has been a considerable demand for literature of this type. Strangely enough the works of women novelists are often avoided by women readers. Many women without having any very definite idea of the type of book they want will stipulate “not one by a woman.” Occupation influences, to some extent. the choice of books by men and women readers. Naturally, men’s interests in many technical and professional publications are wider than women’s. But books on education in other countries, and on modern psychological methods are widely sought after by both men and women teachers.