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.

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

Nothing had happened yet in my life except the need to get out of it.

Naming is nice. It took me days before I was able to speak a name for my first child (what if people did not like it?), and I suspect we gave her a secret, second name as well, to keep her safe.

When I'm working, I'm not so much disciplined as obsessive. I have this feeling that I need to clear everything away and get this down.

To be able to have the space to sit down and write has always been my central policy.

I think young children in the Western middle classes are objects of incredible anxiety.