I love the writers of my thousand books. It pleases me to think how astonished old Homer, whoever he was, would be to find his epics on the shelf of such an unimaginable being as myself, in the middle of an unrumored continent. I love the large minority of the writers on my shelves who have struggled with words and thoughts and, by my lights, have lost the struggle. All together they are my community, the creators of the very idea of books, poetry, and extended narratives, and of the amazing human conversation that has taken place across the millennia, through weal and woe, over the heads of interest and utility.
The author expresses a profound admiration for writers, feeling a deep connection to the countless books on her shelves. She marvels at the idea that even ancient figures like Homer would be astonished by the existence of modern readers and their relationships with literature. This sentiment highlights the timelessness of stories and the surprising ways they continue to resonate across cultures and eras.
Robinson also appreciates the lesser-known authors whose struggles with language and expression contribute to the rich tapestry of literature. She views these writers as part of a larger community that has shaped the very concept of storytelling and discourse. Their collective efforts have fostered a continuous dialogue throughout history, reflecting the enduring power of human creativity and the importance of narratives in our lives.
