We lie in order to tolerate our existence and, most of all, we lie to ourselves.

Women, in all fields - whether mothers or not - still encounter an extraordinary number of obstacles. They have to hold too many things together and often sacrifice their aspirations in the name of affections.

The fictional treatment of biographical material - a treatment that for me is essential - is full of traps.

Climbing the economic ladder has been very hard for me; I still feel a great deal of guilt towards those I left behind.

At most, I may write when I am disturbed by something. I have recently discovered the pleasure of finding written answers to written questions.

My work stops at publication. If the books don't contain in themselves their reasons for being - questions and answers - it means I was wrong to have them published.

I am the queen of spades, I am the wasp that stings, I am the dark serpent. I am the invulnerable animal who passes through fire and is not burned.