Why Books Are Written

My next to be recorded radio show will deal with the Death in Venice. Sure, I could have chosen Lolita or the Pianist for example, but Mann actually spelled out what it is all about. (Incidentally, a beautiful poem in comment to the post.)

But we are in for another great revelation. These 'controversial' novels are always really about something else, something fundamental. Therefore, Lolita is, among other things, according to my teacher Sonja Bašić, about impossible love perhaps being the sole possible love.

And this is what happens: the mediocre, the petty-bourgeoisie cannot tell pornography and art apart! To them, Lolita and Nailing the Schoolgirls is exactly the same. But I can tell you, they understand Nobel and other external markers.

I wish each could be a ruler. The result would be the greatest lesson one can imagine. Myself, I wouldn't like seeing my vision live. I really need my society - but a weeded-out one.