"Middlebrow" Novels

Some years ago, critics used to speak of "middlebrow" literature. These novels were assigned a place somewhere between, on the one hand, "good," serious literature, critically acclaimed, and on the other hand, "lowbrow" literature, genre fiction, and "beach reads." This category still exists, although we don't often use the term "middlebrow" these days. Although I generally seek out and read "serious" literature, I have a place in my heart for middlebrow authors who are usually extremely skilled and competent at creating very readable, even compelling works. I think of them as craftswomen (the ones I like are almost always women) and good writers, but their novels are just a bit too undemanding, predictable and formulaic to be great. Yet I can rely on them to interest and entertain me, every time. When I learn that their newest novels are out, I almost always look for and read them. Among my favorite middlebrow authors are Elizabeth Berg, Anita Shreve, Anne Rivers Siddons, Nancy Thayer, and Joanna Trollope. I give these authors great credit, and thank them for the many hours of reading pleasure they have provided me.