Maddie took the top of her egg off. The hot bright yolk was like summer sun breaking through cloud. The first daffodil in the snow. A gold sovereign wrapped in a white silk handkerchief. She dipped her spoon in it and licked it.

The very term "turning pages" suggests nonstop action. But I am all about character and beautiful writing. I eat that up like popcorn. Whether a book is action-packed or not, all I need are well-written prose and quirky, fabulous characters to keep me going.

Southampton's barrage balloons floated gleaming in the moonlight like the ghosts of elephants and hippos.

It is so hard trying to say what you mean.

But people need lift, too. People don't get moving, they don't soar, they don't achieve great heights, without someone buoying them up.

And I envied her that she had chosen her work herself and was doing what she wanted to do. I don't suppose I had any idea what I 'wanted' and so I was chosen, not choosing. There's glory and honor in being chosen. But not much room for free will.

But I have told the truth. Isn't that ironic? They sent me because I am so good at telling lies. But I have told the truth.