"I don't mean that literary fiction is better than genre fiction, On the contrary; novels can perform two functions and most perform only one"

Mark Haddon's quote suggests that books can serve 2 functions, and that most books just serve one. He is not suggesting that literary fiction transcends to genre fiction, however rather that both types of fiction can be valuable. Literary fiction typically focuses on checking out themes and ideas, while genre fiction frequently concentrates on supplying entertainment. Both kinds of fiction can be satisfying and meaningful, and it is important to recognize the value of both. Haddon's quote encourages readers to appreciate the different functions of books, and to recognize that both literary and genre fiction can be significant and pleasurable.