Are all books failures?

by Adrian Sroka
10th July 2012

Walter Allen remarked about Jane Austen in The English Novel, 'You don't accidently blunder on perfection six times.'

I understand what he means, but I am biased because I regard Jane Austen as the greatest author that has lived.

But is there such a thing as perfection in English or Foreign literature? I think not.

Why I Write, by George Orwell.

In his book of four excellent short essays, he claims that,

'All books are failures.'

Replies

Louise.

There are hidden depths of meanings to Jane Austen, that is why people read her books over and over again. The psychology is brilliant.

Her books are for careful readers, not those that expect dramatic events every few pages.

The traditional English Novel is about a persons place in society, whereas the traditional American Novel is about loners.

I believe George Orwell was a visionary and ahead of his time. He was not negative but accurate in his outlook.

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Only if the premise 'you can't please all the people all the time' is true.

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