When I die, people will say it is the best thing for me. It is because they know it is the worst. They want to avoid the feeling of pity. As though they were the people most concerned!

Appearances are not held to be a clue to the truth,' said his cousin. 'But we seem to have no other.

I never agree with the compliments paid to it. It is not a great healer. It is an indifferent and perfunctory one. Sometimes it does not heal at all. And sometimes when it seems to, no healing has been necessary.

Anyone who picks up a Compton-Burnett finds it very hard not to put it down.

At a certain point my novels set. They set just as hard as that jam jar. And then I know they are finished.

Civilized life exacts its toll.

There is danger in courage. Cowardice is a power for good. We hardly know what it prevents.