--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If it's well written, even an obscene…" description: "\"“If it's well written, even an obscene book cannot be immoral. John McGahern, Galway, October 6th 2003. \"Acclaimed as the most important Irish novellis..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a1/john-mcgahern-11742_books_if-it-s-well-written-even-an-obscene-boo_1470894.jpg" --- # If it's well written, even an obscene book cannot be… ![“If it's well written, even an obscene book cannot be immoral. John McGahern, Galway, October 6th 2003. "Acclaimed as the most important Irish novellist since James Joyce.” quote by John McGahern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a1/john-mcgahern-11742_books_if-it-s-well-written-even-an-obscene-boo_1470894.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a1/john-mcgahern-11742_books_if-it-s-well-written-even-an-obscene-boo_1470894.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a1/john-mcgahern-11742_books_if-it-s-well-written-even-an-obscene-boo_1470894.jpg) > ““If it's well written, even an obscene book cannot be immoral. John McGahern, Galway, October 6th 2003. "Acclaimed as the most important Irish novellist since James Joyce.”” [John McGahern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-mcgahern/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A well‑crafted work can transcend moral judgments, suggesting artistic merit outweighs perceived obscenity. **In simple terms:** Good writing can be morally neutral despite content. Key Takeaway Judge works by craft, not just subject. Themes art morality literature obscenity critical standards Mood thoughtful analytical Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - evaluating controversial books - discussing censorship - teaching literary criticism Key Concepts aesthetic value ethical relativism Questions to Reflect On - Can art be truly amoral? - Where should society draw the line on content? A Different Perspective Obscenity laws and personal values may still limit acceptance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) ## Related quotes > [“The clean book bill will be one of the most immoral measures ever adopted. 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