Books Quote by Mordecai Richler
“Well, people have been wondering what's going to happen to the novel for two hundred years; its death has been announced many times. You know, I think the novel keeps redefining the world we live in. What you should look for in a novel is a window nobody else is looking out of, that nobody else can look through. What you look for is a voice. You pick up a novel by someone such as Faulkner or Hemingway and you just read three pages and you know who wrote it. And that's what one should demand of a novelist.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 1995
The novel endures by constantly redefining perspectives; its value lies in offering unique viewpoints and a distinct authorial voice.
In simple terms: Novels survive by providing fresh lenses and recognizable voices.
Key Takeaway
Seek novels that reveal unseen angles and unmistakable style.
Themes
literature
creativity
voice
perspective
innovation
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Choosing a book
- literary analysis
- teaching writing
- publishing decisions
Key Concepts
Narrative identity
authorial signature
cultural reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a novel's voice instantly recognizable?
- How can readers discover truly novel viewpoints?
A Different Perspective
The claim of endless novelty may overlook market pressures that limit experimental works.
