We asked members of our book community to answer the question ‘What does representation in fiction mean to me?’

Feeling represented in the books you read is SO important. Books are a reflection of our society and to have inclusive, diverse stories means we’re one step closer to a world where everyone feels comfortable, safe, happy, heard and seen.

Without further ado, lets hear from Shelley, Olivia, Paris, Nana, Annie and Amy…

*

Shelley

I love reading fiction, fantasy fiction to be specific, and after a lifetime of reading about Zeus, faeries, mashed potatoes and green beans, this year I found myself reading about Yemoja, Ninki Nanka, fried plantain and egusi soup. I read about girls with kinky hair, ochre skin and big noses like mine, and I couldn’t help the smile that always grew on my face when I did, because I could see myself in more than just a character’s personality.

Lack of representation in fiction means there will always be a set of people who never truly see themselves in books, yet continue reading in the hopes that they one day will. Lack of representation makes reading for so many people, exhausting and hurtful, because they will continue hoping and searching for something that has very little chances of being found.

Representation ensures that inclusion is not a fleeting trend for the season. It reminds everyone that humanity is not a monolith, that we are a melting pot, and that this diversity should be reflected in the books we read.

Follow Shelley on TikTok @shelleys.library

Olivia

Representation in books is important to me because it reminds me that I’m not alone. It makes me feel connected to my identities and my community in truly meaningful way. I find it hard to describe the feeling! But I also feel comforted knowing that other people will be able to see and understand my experience better because of representation in books too. And better able to understand me.

Some of my favourite books by Black authors are:

• Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
• Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
• Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
• Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

Follow Olivia on TikTok @olivacatastophe

Paris

As a black woman representation in the media mean a lot to me, being able to see myself in the pages of books,  and being able to relate to the character is something i’m so passionate about. A lot of media is catered towards white men and women and we poc don’t usually see ourselves on the pages or screens. I love seeing authors make characters based around what i see in the mirror.

Follow Paris on TikTok @paristhebibliphile

Nana

Representation in fiction for me is about different voices, life experiences and stories being heard.

It’s about having your feelings, your highs, your lows, your culture, your quirks, and the many different parts of you as a person being validated and showcased publicly and proudly.

It’s reading a book and thinking ‘finally!’ and ‘omg it’s not just me/my mum/my friends who do this!?’.A feeling of belonging and understanding.

If fiction is a place of infinite possibilities, where people can fall in love with dragons, read minds and cast spells, yet someone who’s Black, Asian, Jewish, Muslim, Plus size, Autistic, Deaf, Bisexual or Transgender (to name just a few) can’t find a story they relate to or see a character or community that looks like them what does that mean?

Are they not real? Can people not even fathom their possibility?

Follow Nana on Instagram @sillylilbooks

Annie

To me, representation is seeing characters that have the same experiences as me – be it due to race, gender, sexuality or all the above – have stories told about them that transcend the trauma narratives we’re used to. So often minorities are depicted as having to overcome struggle in order to be visible, and while this is extremely valid and necessary, I think we as readers need to see ourselves reflected in characters that get to experience joy, love, connection and acceptance.

Follow Annie on TikTok @anniexreads

Amy

Being a young black British women, I think it is important to have characters in books who are portrayed organically and not just simply included in the narrative for the sake of it. It isn’t a box ticking exercise.

It is always clear to me the authors who have taken the time to think about why this particular character is in the narrative and what important elements they bring to the story.

In addition, as I am from a Caribbean heritage, I love to see characters who emulate my culture as it reminds me of when I was growing up and the stories my parents and grandparents shared with me when I was a child. It is comforting to know that these truths are being told and will continue to be told for others to hear and share. I believe there is still more work to do, but I am eager to see what books are being written now and in the future which will illustrate these ideologies.

Follow Amy on TikTok @littlemissreader

By Lauren Gardiner