I will now make an apology, although I will do my best not to repeat it. {Good readers do not read fiction, after all, to put up with the author's regrets.} I will say that having read the best and worst of novels for many years, which is, to remind you, part of a good devil's education, I know by now that not even a loyal reader can stay true to an author who is ready to leave his narrative for an apparently unrelated expedition.
In "The Castle in the Forest," Norman Mailer reflects on the nature of storytelling and the relationship between authors and their readers. He expresses an understanding that readers engage with fiction not to endure the author's apologies or deviations from the main narrative. Mailer acknowledges that over years of reading many novels, both good and bad, he has learned that a loyal audience might lose interest if the writer strays too far from the central story.
Mailer emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the narrative to maintain a reader's engagement. He suggests that readers expect a seamless journey through the story, without unnecessary tangents that may disrupt their immersion. This understanding implies that a skillful writer should always aim to respect their audience’s experience by keeping their storytelling coherent and on track.
