--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A novel must work as a story because no…" description: "\"A novel must work as a story because no one's going to get to the other themes if you don't entertain the reader. But I like to have another layer of m..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e08/robert-cormier-6436_book_a-novel-must-work-as-a-story-because-no_1645714.png" --- # A novel must work as a story because no one's going to get… ![“A novel must work as a story because no one's going to get to the other themes if you don't entertain the reader. But I like to have another layer of meaning, although you can read the book on one level and not bother with that other layer.” quote by Robert Cormier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e08/robert-cormier-6436_book_a-novel-must-work-as-a-story-because-no_1645714.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e08/robert-cormier-6436_book_a-novel-must-work-as-a-story-because-no_1645714.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e08/robert-cormier-6436_book_a-novel-must-work-as-a-story-because-no_1645714.png) > “A novel must work as a story because no one's going to get to the other themes if you don't entertain the reader. But I like to have another layer of meaning, although you can read the book on one level and not bother with that other layer.” [Robert Cormier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cormier/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A novel must engage readers first; deeper themes are accessible only if the story entertains. **In simple terms:** Entertain readers to reveal deeper meanings. Key Takeaway Make storytelling compelling before layering complexity. Themes storytelling depth reader engagement Mood thoughtful inquisitive Type literary educational When to use this quote - novel writing - teaching literature - book clubs - creative workshops Key Concepts narrative layers theme exploration Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance entertainment with depth? - What techniques keep readers hooked while adding layers? A Different Perspective A story can be entertaining yet superficial, missing deeper insight. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Book](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/book/) [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Bother](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bother/) [Entertain Reader](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/entertain-reader-607533/) [Ifs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ifs/) [Layers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/layers/) [Levels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/levels/) [Novel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/novel/) [Novel Work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/novel-work-494683/) [Reader](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reader/) [Reader Like](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reader-like-607534/) [Stories](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stories/) [Story Going](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/story-going/) [Theme](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theme/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) ## Related quotes > [“If people feel like you’re trying to educate them on some invaluable life lesson, they’re going to fade. 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In order to write it, one must have tranquility of spirit and of impression.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fyodor-dostoevsky/a-novel-is-a-work-of-poetry-in-order-to-write-it-one-must-have/) [Fyodor Dostoevsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fyodor-dostoevsky/) > [I am a working person. I always work, study or do research for my novel. I even work on Sunday.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrea-hirata/i-am-a-working-person-i-always-work-study-or-do-research-for-my-novel/) [Andrea Hirata](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrea-hirata/) > [I cannot write a novel because I cannot work in continuity. My works are more abstract, may be, I will try short story writing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dia-mirza/i-cannot-write-a-novel-because-i-cannot-work-in-continuity-my-works/) [Dia Mirza](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dia-mirza/) ## More by Robert Cormier > [“Eric Poole began with cats. 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