Biographies are no longer written to explain or explore the greatness of the great. They redress balances, explore secret weaknesses, demolish legends.

A surprising number of people - including many students of literature - will tell you they haven't really lived in a book since they were children.

Never stop paying attention to things. Never make your mind up finally. Do not hold beliefs.

Louis de Bernires is in the direct line that runs through Dickens and Evelyn Waugh. . .he has only to look into his world, one senses, for it to rush into reality, colours and touch and taste.

You are safe with me." "I am not at all safe, with you. But I have no desire to be elsewhere.

Everything is surprising, rightly seen.

It's a terrible poison, writing.