I think, in common with a lot of novelists, I wasn't the most athletic guy at school.

A scar is never ugly. That is what the scar makers want us to think. A scar does not form on the dying. A scar means, I survived.

I'm a much better writer for being a father.

There was no quick grief for Andrew because he had been so slowly lost. First from my heart, then from my mind, and only finally from my life.

Would we be the heroes or the cowards of the piece? Would we follow orders or stick to our principles, if those two things ever conflicted? Would we be the brave ones who still found the capacity for love - and for laughter - even while we were terrified?

Life is extremely short and you cannot dance to current affairs.

Andrew had a gift for deepening the incision he began.