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

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

The best Paris I know now is in my head.

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

Politicians were like talking dogs in a circus: the fact that they existed was uncommonly interesting, but no sane person would actually believe what they said

I don't inflict horrors on readers.

The printing presses of the state treasuries cranked out reams of paper currency- showing wise kinds and blissful martyrs- while bankers wept and peasants starved.