The modern writer who has influenced me most is W. Somerset Maugham .

The existence of good bad literature—the fact that one can be amused or excited or even moved by a book that one's intellect simply refuses to take seriously—is a reminder that art is not the same thing as cerebration.

I do not wish to comment on the work; if it does not speak for itself, it is a failure.

they had come to a time when no one dared speak his mind, when fierce, growling dogs roamed everywhere, and when you had to watch your comrades torn to pieces after confessing to shocking crimes.

To see what is in front of one’s nose needs a constant struggle.

Good writing is like a windowpane.

Serious sport is war minus the shooting.