For your information, a good novel can change the world. Keep that in mind before you attempt to sit down at a typewriter. Never waste time on something you don't believe in yourself.
John FanteRead
Ask the dust on the road! Ask the Joshua trees standing alone where the Mojave begins. Ask them about Camilla Lopez, and they will whisper her name.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that the essence of a person can be felt in the world around them, even when they are not present.
John Fante's quote highlights the idea that connections and memories of individuals linger in the natural world. The imagery of asking the dust and Joshua trees evokes a sense of depth and permanence, suggesting that true significance and impact can resonate beyond one's physical presence. It speaks to the notion that the environment can hold memories and stories of those who have passed, illustrating a profound relationship between humans and nature.
Themes
MemoryNatureLossConnectionImpact
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a memorial service to honor someone's memory.
More from John Fante
All quotes →Listen closely. There’s a remote possibility that you might learn something: First, I don’t give a damn if my work is commercial or not…I’m the writer. If what I write is good, then people will read it. That’s why literature exists. An author puts his heart and guts on the page. For your information, a good novel can change the world. Keep that in mind before you attempt to sit down at a typewriter. Never waste time on something you don’t believe in yourself.
John FanteRead
We talked, she and I. She asked about my work and it was a pretense, she was not interested in my work. And when I answered, it was a pretense. I was not interested in my work either. There was only one thing that interested us, and she knew it. She had made it plain by her coming.
John FanteRead
Arturo Bandini: -What does happiness mean to you Camilla? Camilla: -That you can fall in love with whoever you want to, and not feel ashamed of it.
John FanteRead
Ah, Evelyn and Vivian, I love you both, I love you for your sad lives, the empty misery of your coming home at dawn. You too are alone, but you are not like Arturo Bandini, who is neither fish, fowl nor good red herring. So have your champagne, because I love you both, and you too, Vivian, even if your mouth looks like it had been dug out with raw fingernails and your old child's eyes swim in blood written like mad sonnets.
John FanteRead
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