The Rise of Weird-Girl Fiction on BookTok

This week, content creators on BookTok shared insights on the emerging genre known as “weird-girl fiction.” This genre focuses on narratives written by female authors that challenge conventional tropes associated with femininity.

Defining Weird-Girl Fiction

Kobe (@frostgalaxy), who boasts 40,800 followers, describes weird-girl fiction as a niche where women’s narratives subvert traditional stereotypes. He emphasizes that the genre is a fruitful ground for exploring queerness.

Léa (@loverofpages), with 101,100 followers, adds that this genre offers authors a platform to critique gender dynamics, feminism, and societal norms surrounding sexuality and disabilities.

Characteristics of the Genre

Evie (@eviemaddaloni), who has 3,834 followers, highlights that weird-girl fiction tends to feature “disturbing and unapologetically raw” narratives. She points out that these stories empower female characters to express emotions, anger, and complexity, diverging from traditional media portrayals of women.

Suraka (@surakajanebooks), with a following of 16,700, notes that the genre encompasses a diversity of characteristics. “Weird-girl fiction centers around unconventional and misunderstood female figures, with an underlying theme of rebellion,” she states.

Busayo (@compulsivebookbuyers), who has 27,100 followers, agrees, stating that this genre often places socially awkward or emotionally intense protagonists at the forefront.

The Broad Scope of Weird-Girl Fiction

Brittany (@whatbritreads) emphasizes the genre’s flexibility, suggesting that it encompasses a range of narratives without strict boundaries. Meanwhile, Lewis (@achilleanshelves) argues that “weird-girl fiction” serves to destigmatize previously marginalized narratives by framing them within a popular trend.

Kobe further elaborates on the genre’s boldness, indicating that it often employs elements of horror and taboo to probe deeper into identity. This ability to challenge social norms makes weird-girl fiction strikingly memorable.

BookTok’s Engagement with Weird-Girl Fiction

The popularity of weird-girl fiction on BookTok has grown significantly, particularly following the successes of titles like Mona Awad’s Bunny and Ottessa Moshfegh’s My Year of Rest and Relaxation. These works are often credited with energizing the genre’s presence on the platform.

Creators consistently underline the engaging qualities of weird-girl narratives, which invite discussions due to their shocking or thought-provoking content. Libbie (@bookish.daydreaming) mentions that these books prompt readers to exclaim, “what the hell have I just read?” making conversations flow effortlessly.

Notable Works in Weird-Girl Fiction

Some standout authors and titles within the genre include:

• Sayaka Murata, particularly praised for Earthlings and Vanishing World.
• Han Kang’s The Vegetarian, a Nobel Prize-winning text that challenges societal norms.
• Agustina Bazterrica’s Tender Is the Flesh, known for its extreme body horror.
• Julia Armfield’s Our Wives Under the Sea, which explores unique dimensions of personal relationships.

Busayo notes that these selections often explore complex themes such as patriarchy, grief, and the limits of desire, making them impactful and intricately layered.

The Allure of Weird-Girl Fiction

Kobe encapsulates the appeal of weird-girl fiction in its variety—spanning from dark humor to deeply tragic narratives, each offering a uniquely unforgettable experience. The genre’s power lies in its ability to engage with candid themes and emotionally rich stories, fostering a significant following on platforms like BookTok.