To me$$$ Lord of the Flies has always represented what novels are for$$$ what makes them indispensible. Should we expect to be entertained when we read a story? Of course. An act of the imagination that doesnt entertain is a poor act indeed. But there sho

To me$$$ Lord of the Flies has always represented what novels are for$$$ what makes them indispensible. Should we expect to be entertained when we read a story? Of course. An act of the imagination that doesnt entertain is a poor act indeed. But there should be more. A successful novel should erase the boundary-line between writer and reader$$$ so they can unite. When that happens$$$ the novel becomes a part of life the main course$$$ not the dessert. A successful novel should interrupt the readers life$$$ make him or her miss appointments$$$ skip meals$$$ forget to walk the dog. In the best novels$$$ the writers imagination becomes the readers reality.