A love affair based on jealousy is doomed from the start ... It is certanly a sign of love, but it's a sign that it's already dying.

I don't think there's any intrinsic difference between a lover and a husband. ... If I were cynical, I would say that a woman should have both a good husband and a lover. But I'm not cynical so I'll just say that a woman should have a lover who's a good husband and a husband who's a good lover, perhaps both.

There are moments when you feel trapped, ill at ease. A year later the same feeling can turn out to be the theme of a book.

pity is an agreeable sentiment, uplifting like military music.

No one, but no one, ever behaves 'well' in bed unless they love or are loved - two conditions seldom fulfilled.

I've read Proust and Stendhal. That keeps you in your place.

People respect unhappiness and find it especially hard to forgive success.