" It seems to me that you would have to write a novel on a very small, intimate scale for it not to become political. "
- Jonathan Coe

When Jonathan Coe speaks about writing a novel on a "very small, intimate scale," he implies that even such personal narratives inevitably touch upon broader societal and political issues. The statement suggests that it's nearly impossible to completely isolate one’s story from its larger context, which includes social dynamics and the prevailing political climate.

Exploring further, Coe's quote invites us to consider how individual experiences are inextricably linked with the collective experience of society. Even stories about everyday life can reveal underlying tensions or challenges within a community or country. This perspective underscores that every narrative, no matter how personal it may seem, has implications beyond its immediate subject matter—it reflects the wider world and its intricacies.

Jonathan Coe is an acclaimed British novelist known for his satirical and insightful novels that often explore political themes and social issues in Britain. His work frequently delves into the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of significant historical events or cultural shifts, making him a prominent voice on how individual stories are intertwined with larger societal narratives.