Courage is the resolution to face the unforeseen.

At the small table, sitting very upright, was one of the ugliest old ladies he had ever seen. It was an ugliness of distinction - it fascinated rather than repelled.

I can't imagine why everybody is always so keen for authors to talk about writing. I should have thought it was an author's business to write, not talk.

No innocent person ever has an alibi.

One is left with the horrible feeling now that war settles nothing; that to win a war is as disastrous as to lose one.

Every murderer is probably somebody's old friend.

Bitterness leads nowhere. It turns back on itself. It is the eternal cul-de-sac.