Beyond the Autofiction Fatigue: The New Wave of Literary Necromancy
For years, the literary landscape has been dominated by a specific brand of autofiction. It’s a formula we’ve all seen: a writer takes a few snapshots, weaves in some Wikipedia-sourced trivia, and frames their own life through the lens of a “psychogeographic” walk. When critics compare these works to the legendary W.G. Sebald, the books are hailed as instant classics. But readers are growing tired of the cycle.
We are witnessing a shift. The “Iowa workshop” style of documenting dating apps and Brooklyn polycules is losing its luster. In its place, a more ambitious form of storytelling is emerging—one that reaches into the archives to resurrect the forgotten, rather than merely navel-gazing.
The “archive” is becoming the new frontier for contemporary novelists. By treating historical documents as living entities rather than static records, writers are moving away from traditional biography into a space known as “postmodern necromancy.”
The Rise of Institutional Archeology
The most compelling trend in modern literature is the move toward “institutional archeology.” Writers like Doireann Ní Ghríofa, whose latest work Said the Dead explores the harrowing history of the Cork Mental Hospital, are proving that the past is far more fertile ground than the present.
Unlike the static, repetitive records often found in Victorian-era medical casebooks—where women were frequently dismissed with the phrase “no change”—modern authors are using these gaps in the record to breathe life into the silenced. This isn’t just history; This proves a reclamation of subjectivity.
Why Readers Are Turning Toward “Formal Promiscuity”
Readers are increasingly drawn to books that defy categorization. Is it a memoir? A historical text? A translation? This “formal promiscuity” is the hallmark of the next generation of literary giants. By blurring the lines between fiction and non-fiction, authors are creating a reading experience that feels less like a performance and more like a shared, inevitable discovery.
If you want to write impactful fiction, stop trying to emulate the “Sebaldian” trend of the 2010s. Instead, look for archives in your local community. The most powerful stories are often hidden in the places we’ve spent years trying to forget.
The Future of the Archive in Literature
As we move further into the 2020s, expect to see more work that treats the archive as a character. We are entering an era where the act of reading is no longer neutral. Every page turned, every document touched, and every secret unearthed is a collaboration between the writer and the long-dead subject.
This approach moves beyond the “important” labels slapped on by the press and gets to the heart of phenomenology. It forces us to ask: What do we owe the people whose stories were buried by the institutions that held them? When we stop tethering modern writers to the ghosts of 20th-century masters, we allow them to create their own sorcery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “postmodern necromancy” in literature?
It refers to the practice of using historical archives and records to “resurrect” lost voices, blending meticulous research with imaginative, often lyrical, prose to give agency to those ignored by history.
Is autofiction dead?
Not necessarily, but the “thinly-veiled autobiography” trend is facing a backlash. Readers are increasingly seeking works that offer emotional generosity and historical depth rather than mere anecdotes about modern urban life.
How can I find inspiration for this style of writing?
Look at local history sites, former asylums, or decommissioned industrial sites. The physical remnants of the past often contain the most compelling, untold stories.
What do you think? Are we entering a new golden age of historical reclamation, or is the literary world still too obsessed with its own reflection? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into the future of storytelling.
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