The Most Poorly Written Novels That Made a Fortune

When it comes to the world of literature, some books stand out for their unique ability to make a fortune despite their poor writing and plot. This article delves into three such novels, 'Fifty Shades of Grey', 'Atlas Shrugged', and 'Half-Girlfriend', highlighting specific lines or elements that readers found particularly awful.

Fifty Shades of Grey

Libraries around the world are filled with 'Fifty Shades of Grey.' It quickly became a sensation, selling millions of copies without the merit of good writing. Personally, it was unreadable, even for a dedicated reader like me. The writing felt juvenile, akin to a sixth-grader’s first attempt at a romance novel. It was poorly executed fan fiction, a stark contrast to the complex narratives and deep characters authors typically aim to deliver.

Despite the critical and personal perspective, it's worth noting that people who loved 'Fifty Shades of Grey' found it inspirational or purely for entertainment. Nonetheless, the book's sheer sales figures make it a unique case in literary history.

Atlas Shrugged

Another book that famously divided critics is 'Atlas Shrugged' by Ayn Rand. This book is celebrated by some, but its dense prose, one-dimensional characters, and lengthy nature make it a difficult read. It was considered a masterpiece by many at the time, alongside the works of Hemingway and Fitzgerald. However, for many, it pales in comparison, offering a dispensable reading experience at best.

For a more in-depth critique, consider this quote: 'The prose is very dense, the characters are either exaggerated or one-dimensional, and it is way too long.' Indeed, the book has an overwhelming entitlement to be considered a great novel, but it's clear that many find it tedious and dull.

Half-Girlfriend

Straying from the typical examples, we turn to 'Half-Girlfriend' by Chetan Bhagat. This book is without a doubt one of the most incompetently written books ever, and I have read many more ‘extruded’ book-like products. The plot summary, which can be found on Wikipedia, is a hilarious testament to the book's absurdity.

One might think that the plot summary is a skewed interpretation, but reading the actual book may surprise you. The characters are flat, and the plot is convoluted, making it difficult to maintain any level of interest or sympathy. The ending, which involves cancer deception and romantic reconciliation, is as nonsensical in the book as it is in the summary.

Takeaway

While these books have made a fortune, we can learn from them that popularity does not equate to literary merit. Each of these novels challenges traditional notions of quality, making them stand out in the world of bestsellers. Whether you loathe or love these books, they provide a fascinating glimpse into the enduring power of fiction in capturing the public imagination, even against the odds of conventional quality in writing.

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