Reading Is A Collaborative Process Between The Author And The Reader

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 10 July 2025 Since I read and write a lot in my mother tongue, Persian, I've noticed a very interesting thing about the Iranian writers writing in Persian and Dari (Afghan variant of Persian). Quite a few writers writing in Persian often urge their readers not to read their works cursorily. Readers are requested to opine (regardless of being good or bad) only when they've read a book properly. Got to say, a wise exhortation! That doesn't mean that those authors just want your appreciation and eulogy and they sulk and make a wry face when you don't like their books. What they mean is, readers' wholehearted involvement and honest reading. This is an old literary tradition started by the Persian-speaking Zoroastrian writers many moons ago. They'd begin their literary works with this 'appeal' to those who'd read them. July 10 is the birth anniversary of French novelist, critic and essayist Marcel Proust. ------ Late Zoroastrian modern poet and playwright Dr Gieve Patel had this habit of requesting his readers to read his works attentively and not in a dismissive manner. This reminds me of Marcel Proust's famous quote, "We are never allowed to forget that some books are badly written; we should remember that sometimes they’re badly read, too." I'm in agreement with the great French literary giant. Marcel Proust highlights the importance of not only critiquing a book for its quality of writing, but also considering the responsibility of the reader in interpreting and understanding the material. It is easy to dismiss a book as poorly written without considering the potential impact of our own biases, preconceptions, or lack of understanding on how we perceive and engage with the text. Proust's words serve as a reminder that reading is a collaborative process between the author and the reader, and that our interpretation of a book may be just as important in shaping our overall assessment of its quality. Discernment of the readers and reviewers is also of paramount importance. Ghalib was appalled to see the abysmal level of understanding of the readers and critics who summarily dismissed his poetry as Mohmil (meaningless words in Pahlavi). John Keats' poetry was excoriated by Lockhart and Croker. Tagore's early poetry was panned by critics like Bipin Chandra Pal, Suresh Chandra Samajpati and Radhakamal Mukherjee. They criticised him after reading his poetry in a casual, cursory and frivolous manner. But all three; Ghalib, Keats and Tagore went on to become legends in the realms of poetry and literature. Pakistani Urdu poet Majeed Amjad (1914-1974) aptly said, "Tanqeed Karni Hai Kar Leejiye/ Pahle Meri Shyari Padh Leejiye" (If you want to criticise, you can but before that, at least read my poetry). This dismissive tendency is not limited only to books and works of art. We tend to dismiss many things without understanding them and are often in a hurry to give our opinions the way our countless news channels are always in a tearing hurry to give 'breaking news.' We're forever in a state of flux. Remember, it is always thus, impelled by a state of mind which is destined not to last, that we make our irrevocable decisions. Our state of mind at any given moment can have a powerful impact on the choices we ultimately make, decisions that can shape the course of our lives. The decisions, made in the heat of the moment, are often irreversible, highlighting the need for careful consideration and reflection before we act. By recognizing the fleeting nature of our emotions and the potential weight of our decisions, we can strive to make choices that align with our true desires and values, rather than being swayed by temporary impulses. So, whether you're reading a book, article or giving an opinion, take ample time and ruminate. Look before you leap. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/reading-collaborative-author-reader/d/136130 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism