There is a lot of debate on this topic with some people arguing that contemporary fiction is realistic and others asserting that it is not. I think it really depends on how you define "realistic fiction." If you are looking for a genre that strictly adheres to the rules of realism, then contemporary fiction would not be the right choice. However, if you are willing to suspend your disbelief a bit and allow for some elements of the supernatural or the fantastical, then contemporary fiction can be quite realistic.
For example, a story like J.D. Salinger's "Franny and Zooey" takes place in the real world and features characters that feel like real people, even though there are some elements of the story that are not strictly realistic (such as the fact that the characters are incredibly intelligent and well-spoken). Similarly, a story like Neil Gaiman's "American Gods" features gods and goddesses who walk among us, but the majority of the story takes place in the real world and feels very realistic.
So, it really depends on what you are looking for in a story. If you want something that strictly adheres to the rules of realism, then contemporary fiction is not for you. However, if you are willing to suspend your disbelief a bit and allow for some elements of the supernatural or the fantastical, then contemporary fiction can be quite realistic.
