The thing about imagination is that by the very act of putting it down, there must be some truth in one's own imagination.

The more my work improves or broadens or widens, the more surely I tame myself.

As adults, we do know more, but we don't know enough. People can be very unthinkingly callous.

Politics is still crucially important. Our choices are vital, and we've got to make them and not just say, 'Oh they're all the same.' They are all the same in certain ways, alas - a political animal is such an animal.

A writer helps to show you things you knew but didn't know you knew.

Children are very cruel, yes. Of course. Children are extraordinarily cruel little creatures.

The thing about imagination is that by the very act of putting it down, there must be some truth in one's own imagination.