According to a study cited in The Guardian, contemporary authors are less likely to be influenced by classic literature than previous generations of writers.
Curiosities
The Declining Agony of Influence
By Emily M. Keeler posted at 2:15 pm on May 15, 2012 1
at 2:27 pm on May 15, 2012
Not sure I buy this. Zadie Smith comes to mind immediately. But I will check it out. Thank you for posting.