Finding Our Humanity in Paranormal Literature
The popularity of paranormal literature over the last decade has
delighted fans and perplexed others. To some, the word paranormal
refers to UFOs, ghosts, time travel, mind-reading abilities, or to religious
entities. To others, it refers to vampires, witches, magic, ancient Greek
and Roman gods, and were-folk. The genre itself encompasses all of the
above: aliens, the use of magic, were-creatures, vampires, gods, the
beautiful, ethereal, graceful fey, and urban fantasy, while also setting few
limits on itself With further examination of paranormal texts, it becomes
evident that paranormal characters and plots resonate with readers
because paranormal novels reflect Western values of today. While
appearing dangerous, exotic, and fresh, they are actually familiar,
comfortable, and safe to readers because they embody humanity’s social,
religious, and cultural ideologies, struggles, triumphs, and fears, while
also offering hope that Western humanity seeks.
Defining the paranormal is difficult because of its broad
definition that basically includes personification or humanization of all
characters or creatures that are not considered human (Laycock 93). An
example of the range of possibilities available is found in the work of a
single author: Emma Holly. Holly’s Upyr books include a world where
ghosts, humans, and vampires act as love interests and enemies. Her
Tales o f the Demon World series features an alternate world that
intersects with that of Victorian-era Earth, and while her characters are
not demons, in the strict heaven-and-hell definition, they are not human,
and the world is not strictly our world. Holly’s Faerie series introduces
the Fey dimensions and their interests in humanity, and her Resurrection
series has magical beings and were-creatures in a town in the United
States. Just this single author’s books demonstrate the diversity available
to readers of this genre.
Some fans theorize that the surge in popularity of paranormal
literature is attributable to both female character empowerment and a
reflection of female desires that appeal to female readers. Sarah Wendell,
cofounder of the website smartbitchestrashybooks.com, writes, in a
review of paranormal romance novels: “Sometimes I love reading about
ferocious heroines. Sometimes angry, sometimes violent and always
incredibly strong and determined—I love heroines like this.” She is
quick to point out that while she would “dislike people like that in real
life,” these same characters in books are appealing: “the most ass-