"Aphorisms are bad for novels. They stick in the reader's teeth"

Anatole Broyard's quote suggests that aphorisms are not appropriate for books. An aphorism is a succinct statement that expresses a reality or viewpoint, and while they can be effective in other forms of writing, they can be too direct and blunt for novels. In a novel, the reader is looking for a more subtle and nuanced experience, and aphorisms can be too jarring and invasive. They can stick in the reader's teeth, like a piece of food that is difficult to swallow, and can interrupt the flow of the story. Broyard's quote is a suggestion that while aphorisms can be effective, they ought to be utilized moderately in books.