Literature for me isn't a workaday job, but something which involves desires, dreams and fantasy.

I live quietly at home among my family and friends.

My books are about losers, about people who've lost their way and are engaged in a search.

It's very useful when politicians have doubts because there are so many choices to be made in the world.

The most important basis of any novel is wanting to be someone else, and this means creating a character.

I was born in the Second World War during the Nazi invasion of my country.

No, I'm happy to go on living the life I've chosen. I'm a university teacher and I like my job.