I read the Odyssey because it was the story of a man who returned home after being absent for more than twenty years and was recognized only by his dog.

Tobacco is the opiate of the gentleman, the religion of the rich.

The relationship between reader and characters is very difficult. It is even more peculiar than the relationship between the writer and his characters.

I describe my works as books, but my publishers in Spain, in the United States, and elsewhere insist on calling them novels

Titles are not only important, they are essential for me. I cannot write without a title

I think that I've tried many times to get Cuba in my writings, especially Havana, which was once a great and fascinating city.

I think writers rush in where everybody is very frightened to tread