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Being married Quote by Kurt Vonnegut

“Reading a novel, War and Peace for example, is no Catnap. Because a novel is so long, reading one is like being married forever to somebody nobody knows or cares about.” quote by Kurt Vonnegut
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“Reading a novel, War and Peace for example, is no Catnap. Because a novel is so long, reading one is like being married forever to somebody nobody knows or cares about.”

Kurt Vonnegut

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Art of Fiction, Kurt Vonnegut, 1975

Reading a long novel feels like an endless marriage to an unknown partner, demanding sustained commitment and immersion.

In simple terms: Reading a long book is like a long marriage to a stranger.

Key Takeaway

Commit fully to immersive reading.

Themes

literature commitment immersion patience

Mood

thoughtful introspective

Type

literary observational

When to use this quote

  • academic study
  • leisure reading
  • creative writing
  • focus training

Key Concepts

narrative depth reader‑author relationship time investment

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does sustained reading change your perspective?
  • What strategies help you stay engaged?
A Different Perspective

Long works can be intimidating and time‑consuming.

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