You see the profound effect literature can have on life? Who says it's all a waste of time? If only I could produce one book that left someone with that kind of ferocious grievance. If you have read one of my books, you probably feel cheated out of however much money it might have cost you, and you'll certainly begrudge the time you wasted on it. But even at my most bullish and self-aggrandizing, I can't quite make myself believe that I've actually wrecked someone's life. Any documentary evidence to the contrary will be gratefully received.
In the excerpt from "Housekeeping vs. the Dirt" by Nick Hornby, the author reflects on the significant impact literature can have on individuals. He expresses a desire to create a book that evokes strong emotions, even to the point of provoking outrage. Hornby challenges the notion that literature is unimportant, suggesting that it can deeply affect readers' lives and perspectives.
Despite this ambition, Hornby acknowledges a sense of irony in his self-assessment. He admits that readers might feel disappointed or regretful after investing time and money in his work. Ultimately, he humbly doubts that he has the power to truly ruin someone's life through his writing, even as he welcomes any evidence to the contrary.
