My novels are about the European reality, not about chases. You want chases, get somebody else's books.

I invented the historical spy novel.

I write what I call 'novels of consolation' for people who are bright and sophisticated.

I don't really write plots. I use history as the engine that drives everything.

You write a lot of books; you hope you get better.

I don't inflict horrors on readers.

Whether you like it or not, Paris is the beating heart of Western civilisation. It's where it all began and ended.