I know that attaching memories to books may be going out of the world, but while it lasts, it's a strong record of your life.
Jeffrey EugenidesBut I care about the reader, and I'm trying to keep the reader's attention for as long as I can.
Jeffrey EugenidesReading a novel after reading semiotic theory was like jogging empty-handed after jogging with hand weights. What exquisite guilt she felt, wickedly enjoying narrative! Madeleine felt safe with a nineteenth century novel. There were going to be people in it. Something was going to happen to them in a place resembling the world. Then too there were lots of weddings in Wharton and Austen. There were all kinds of irresistible gloomy men.
Jeffrey EugenidesI have a lot of novels that I haven't finished. I usually get 150 pages in and I realize it's not going anywhere. I don't publish everything I write. I must have six unfinished novels at least.
Jeffrey Eugenides