We are creatures of story.

The human longing for story is so powerful, so primitive, that it seems like something not learned, but locked into our genes.

To try to expunge an individual's history is a terrible violation.

I can remember being in my pram: children stayed in their prams much longer then than they do now. A big bouncy pram with black covers and a hood with metal clips that could trap your fingers. I was looking up at my sister who was sitting on the pram seat, with her back to me.

I didn't choose Russia but Russia chose me. I had been fascinated from an early age by the culture, the language, the literature and the history to the place.

I hope that readers will tear through my books because they can't stop themselves - and then, maybe, read them again and find new things there.

Finish the day's writing when you still want to continue.