Book Quote by Jonathan Lethem
“I just noticed recently that in one book after another I seem to find an excuse to find some character who, to put it idiotically simply, is allowed to talk crazy.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Book of Other Days by Jonathan Lethem, 2009
The narrator observes a pattern of seeking characters who speak irrationally, using them as a narrative device to explore chaos.
In simple terms: He looks for crazy‑talking characters to add disorder to stories.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the unexpected in storytelling.
Themes
creativity
character development
narrative technique
Mood
playful
introspective
Type
literary
analytical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- creative brainstorming
- character analysis
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
postmodernism
absurdism
voice
dialogue
Questions to Reflect On
- How does irrational dialogue affect story coherence?
- When does chaos become distraction?
A Different Perspective
Relying on crazy characters may mask weak plot development.
