Science Fiction Community

Boric, here's a simple distinction between "literary" and "science" fiction that's meaningful and almost always true. A work of science fiction (and arguably any "genre") is about what it's about. A work of literature isn't.

For example, Heinlein's "The Moon is A Harsh Mistress" really is about a revolution on the Moon; Asimov's "Foundation" really is about the decline and fall of an interplanetary empire, and Connie Willis's "Doomsday Book" really is about a time traveling historian trapped in the Black Plague. Yes, the books may have contemporary relevance, and diverse intents and themes, but the central conceit is consistently and continuously addressed, and when the conflict inherent in that conceit is resolved, the book ends.

Literature, however, is different. "Hamlet" is not about a Danish prince avenging his father's death. "Huckleberry Finn" is not about a rafting trip. "1984" is not...