A novel, in which all is created by the author's whim, must strike a more profound level of truth, or it is worthless."" And yet, I have heard you say that any novel that relieves your ennui for an hour has proved its usefulness."" You have a good memory. It must have been ten thousand years ago that I uttered those words."" And if it was?"" In another ten thousand, perhaps I will agree with them again."" In my opinion, the proper way to judge a novel is this: Does it give one an accurate reflection of the moods and characteristics of a particular group of people in a particular place at a particular time? If so, it has value. Otherwise, it has none."" You do not find this rather narrow?"" Madam—""Well?"" I was quoting you.

Sethra Lavode