"'s one of the perversities of the age: I'm embarrassed by its success, but I'm happy it's selling"

In this quote, author Jonathan Franzen is revealing conflicting feelings towards the success of his work. He explains it as a "perversity," suggesting that it goes against his expectations or desires. He is humiliated by its success, potentially due to the fact that it breaks his personal worths or beliefs. Nevertheless, he also acknowledges that he is happy that it is selling. This might be due to the monetary advantages or the recognition and validation that features success. In general, the quote highlights the complex and frequently inconsistent sensations that can emerge when one's work attains success in the contemporary age.