As a writer, I have readers who will have a range of political views. I don't think they look to me for political guidance.

Whatever Scotland was, it was not a matriarchy; whereas the United States was a profoundly matriarchal society - and much more feminine than would be suggested by all that male bravado. That was a front, and a misleading one at that; underneath the male swagger lay a passive acceptance of female dominance - a fact not always appreciated by outsiders.

At night we are all strangers, even to ourselves.

Lou knew that joy unshared was a halved emotion, just as sadness and loss, when borne alone, were often doubled.

The point about love, the essential point, was that we loved what we loved. We did not choose. We just loved.

Writers obviously have to bear witness to the harsh face of the age.

Botswana is actually very peaceful. It's democratic. It never was in debt. They've been fortunate, they've had diamonds.