If he acts, if he doesn't, it's meaningless. The whole thing goes forward. No one is important. No one at all.
In searching for a way out of my own troubles, I had found my way into the troubles of others, some long gone, and now I was trying to find my way back out, through their troubles, as if we human beings can ever learn from one another.
I don't think anything needs to happen in a book.
I'm confused, and brilliant books help me to be less so.
I don't read books for pleasure, but in desperation.
If Americans are to read something that is difficult, they will only do so supposing they will be admired for having done it.