Life After Harry: Rowling's Literary Magic Can Address Challenges with New Adult Fiction Novel, Experts Say

Newswise - MANHATTAN, KAN. -- In a post-Potter world, J.K. Rowling will try to cast a spell on grown-up readers with her upcoming adult fiction novel, "The Casual Vacancy." Two Kansas State University children's literature experts said that Rowling's strength as a writer can help her successfully jump from children's literature to adult fiction.

"The Casual Vacancy" makes its formal presence on bookshelves on Thursday, Sept. 27. The 512-page novel, published by Little, Brown Book Group, is Rowling's first novel since the Harry Potter series.

"Rowling has been careful to establish this new book as separate, publishing it with Little, Brown and identifying its primary audience as adults," said Karin Westman, head of the university's department of English and a children's literature expert. "The burden now falls on her artistic ability to deliver a compelling story that readers can enjoy regardless of her best-selling series."