Most writers tend to get worse rather than better. I'm determined to be one that gets better.
I can think of no other writer who so thoroughly embodies the Jamesian spirit as Alison Lurie. Like him she can excavate all the possibilities of a theme. Like his, her books seem long, unbroken threads, seamless progressions of effects.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Edmund White compares Alison Lurie to Henry James, highlighting their deep exploration of themes in their writings.
In this quote, Edmund White praises Alison Lurie's literary prowess by likening her to the esteemed writer Henry James. He emphasizes Lurieβs ability to deeply explore themes and create a coherent narrative flow, suggesting that like James, her works are intricately woven together, showcasing a seamless development that captivates the reader. This comparison underscores the richness and complexity that both authors bring to their storytelling.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a literary discussion, this quote could be used to emphasize the depth of thematic exploration in modern authors.
More from Edmund White
All quotes βI've always seen writing as a way of telling the truth. For me, writing is about truth. I have always tried to be faithful to my own experience.
In a memoir, your main contract with the reader is to tell the truth, no matter how bizarre.
If bigots oppose gay marriage so vehemently, it must be because marriage is a defining institution for them; gays will never be fully accepted until they can marry and adopt, like anyone else.
When we are young... we often experience things in the present with a nostalgia-in-advance, but we seldom guess what we will truly prize years from now.
I was never an assimilationist. I always thought gays had some special mission.
Similar quotes
Quite, quite,' she thought with a little sigh. 'It's always like this in their adventures. To save and be saved. I wish somebody would write a story sometime about the people who warm up the heroes afterward.
As I look back, I feel a touch of pride at my younger self's dedication to literature, which gave him the strength of mind to resist the blandishments of the enemies of promise. The sirens of ad-land sang sweetly and seductively, but I thought of Odysseus lashing himself to the mast of his ship, and somehow stayed on course.
Every great literature has always been allegorical - allegorical of some view of the whole universe. The 'Iliad' is only great because all life is a battle, the 'Odyssey' because all life is a journey, the Book of Job because all life is a riddle.
A novel is not a summary of its plot but a collection of instances, of luminous specific details that take us in the direction of the unsaid and unseen.
There were thousands of brown books in leather bindings, some chained to the book-shelves and others propped against each other as if they had had too much to drink and did not really trust themselves. These gave out a smell of must and solid brownness which was most secure.
They were close to the end of the beginning . . .