I can't think of anything you might say about Irish people that is absolutely true.

There are men who would do anything, asleep, and I'm not sure what stops them when they wake. I do not know how they draw the line.

When you find yourself alone, or in a transition, you dream more. These are also the times when you read books.

I do wish I could write like some of the American women, who can be clever and heartfelt and hopeful; people like Lorrie Moore and Jennifer Egan. But Ireland messed me up too much, I think, so I can't.

Having kids is very difficult to do on your own, and it's really crazy difficult to think you're doing it as a team and to find out that you're not actually part of a team.

I do not think we remember our family in any real sense. We live in them instead

If you can just actually let the character be for a bit, then you get the right sense.