Entering a novel is like going on a climb in the mountains: you have to learn the rhythm of respiration, acquire the pace; otherwise you stop right away.

Umberto Eco
About This Quote

When you enter a novel, you have to learn the rhythm of respiration, acquire the pace; otherwise you stop right away. As a reader, it is important not to stop at every difficulty. If you do, you will never be able to continue reading until you master all of the novel's tricks. A person who enters into a novel must be able to master all of the techniques that are used in the book.

Source: Postscript To The Name Of The Rose

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