It is always difficult, even with the best will in the world, to look back a long way and see anything resembling the truth.

There was some sadness in how that could happen, falling out of love with something that had shaped you. Or even people who had.

We are all shaped by where we grow up, though that shaping takes different forms. I dont think theres any doubt that coming of age in Winnipeg both opened my eyes and made me hungry - if I can subvert all claims to be a real writer by mixing metaphors like that.

Do you know the wish of your heart?" - The Darkest Road

The world could bring you poison in a jewelled cup, or surprising gifts. Sometimes you didn't know which of them it was.

We worship…the powers that speak to our souls, if it seems they do. We do so knowing there is more to the world, and the half-world, and perhaps worlds beyond, than we can grasp. We always knew that. We can’t even stop children from dying, how would we presume to understand the truth of things? Behind things? Does the presence of one power deny another? [p. 176]

The deeds of men, as footprints in the desert. Nothing under the circling moons is fated to last. Even the sun goes down.