#novels

[L]ife is a phenomenon in need of criticism, for we are, as fallen creatures, in permanent danger of worshipping false gods, of failing to understand ourselves and misinterpreting the behaviour of others, of growing unproductively anxious or desirous, and of losing ourselves to vanity and error. Surreptitiously and beguilingly, then, with humour or gravity, works of art--novels, poems, plays, paintings or films--can function as vehicles to explain our condition to us. They may act as guides to a truer, more judicious, more intelligent understanding of the world. ↗

— Alain de Botton

#art #criticism #desire #films #gravity

I have almost completed a long novel, but it is unpublishable until my death and England's. ↗

— E.M. Forster

#england #homophobia #homosexuality #lgbt-literature #maurice-novel

The past can't hurt you anymore, not unless you let it. ↗

— Alan Moore

#hurting #past #v-for-vendetta #hurt

I have come to understand something about novels," Tessa said. "And what is that?" "They are not true. ↗

— Cassandra Clare

#novel

All novels are sequels; influence is bliss. ↗

— Michael Chabon

#cliche #novels #originality #writing #influence

A novel, in which all is created by the author's whim, must strike a more profound level of truth, or it is worthless." "And yet, I have heard you say that any novel that relieves your ennui for an hour has proved its usefulness." "You have a good memory. It must have been ten thousands of years ago that I uttered those words." "And if it was?" "In another ten thousand, perhaps I will agree with them again." "In my opinion, the proper way to judge a novel is this: Does it give one an accurate reflection of the moods and characteristics of a particular group of people in a particular place at a particular time? If so, it has value. Otherwise, it has none." "You do not find this rather narrow?" "Madam—" "Well?" "I was quoting you. ↗

— Steven Brust

#novels #stories #literary-criticism

Allie noticed it all, every sound, every thought. Her senses had come alive, invigorating her, and she felt her mind drifting through the last few weeks. ↗

— Nicholas Sparks

#romance-novels

I always say too much when I'm talking to you--- that's one of the problems.... Edward Cullen Twilight, Chapter 5 ↗

— Stephenie Meyer

#romance-novels

As we stood there, chest high in water, I felt like I was in the middle of my own romance novel. ↗

— Em Bailey

#romance #romance-novels

Our lover is the sun, and we the stars forever floating in their glow. We push and push, yearning for our sun's rays to reach out and touch us for just a moment in time… one second-glance to warm our spirits and soothe our aching hearts. ↗

— Katlyn Charlesworth

#romance-novels #thriller #historical-fiction