"I think some people wished I'd kept myself out of the book. But I kind of insist on it because I want the reader to share my engagement with the material, if you like, not pretend that I'm doing it completely intellectually"

In this quote, author Helen Garner is dealing with the criticism she has received for including herself in her book. Some people may have preferred for her to keep her individual experiences and feelings out of the narrative. However, Garner believes it is important for the reader to understand her point of view and connection to the subject. She desires the reader to be fully immersed in the material and not simply see it from an intellectual perspective. By including herself in the book, Garner is allowing the reader to see the human side of the story and to really understand the impact it has actually had on her.