Literature makes history come to life. It is maybe the most accurate depiction of history, especially literature that was written in the time period depicted in the story.

Usually redemption implies rescue - being saved. What were you being saved from?' he inquired, his voice carefully neutral. 'Ugliness.

Regret is just life's aftertaste.

Everybody who is somebody becomes nobody the moment they fail

Sometimes the things we want to be rescued from can save us.

Why don’t you focus on where you’re going and less on where you came from?

Books allow you to be whoever you want to be, to escape yourself for a while.