Realistic fiction: This genre often focuses on the everyday lives and challenges of people living in rural areas. It can explore themes like poverty, social isolation, community, and the struggles of adapting to change. Examples include:
* "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith: This classic novel tells the story of a young girl growing up in poverty in early 20th-century Brooklyn, which at the time was still a rural area.
* "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the Joad family, who leave their Oklahoma farm during the Dust Bowl and travel to California in search of a better life.
* "The Shipping News" by Annie Proulx: This novel portrays the life of a man who returns to his small Newfoundland village after his wife's death.
Literary fiction: This genre often focuses on more introspective and character-driven narratives, exploring the inner lives of characters in rural settings. It can delve into themes of identity, relationships, and the search for meaning. Examples include:
* "The Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov: This novel takes place in both Moscow and a fictional small town called Yershalaim, and explores themes of good versus evil, faith, and the search for meaning.
* "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt: This novel follows a group of students at an elite New England college, where their privileged lives are intertwined with dark secrets and a tragic event.
Historical fiction: This genre often focuses on the lives of people living in rural areas during a specific historical period. It can explore the impact of historical events on everyday life, as well as the unique cultural traditions and beliefs of the time. Examples include:
* "The Thorn Birds" by Colleen McCullough: This epic novel follows the lives of several generations of a family living on an Australian sheep ranch during the 19th and 20th centuries.
* "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel: This historical novel tells the story of Thomas Cromwell, a man who rises to power in the court of King Henry VIII, and provides a glimpse into the rural life of England in the Tudor period.
Other Genres:
* Rural romance: This subgenre often features love stories set in picturesque rural locations.
* Mystery and thriller: Rural villages can be the perfect setting for suspenseful stories, with their isolated locations and unique characters.
* Fantasy and magical realism: Rural settings can be used to explore themes of magic and the supernatural, creating a sense of wonder and mystery.
The type of novel that describes life in small rural villages depends on the specific themes, characters, and perspectives the author wants to explore. Regardless of genre, these novels often provide a unique and intimate look into the lives of people living in these often overlooked communities.