She understood that her heart operated on its own instructions, that she had no control over it or, indeed, anything else.

girls forbidden to dance would only attract husbands with bad complexions and sunken chests.

He had the feeling that there was something physically behind his eyes, blocking the light.

Every letter was a love letter.

The television replaced the sound of conversation that was missing from my grandparents' lives.

I think it is important to remind people of the extent of our free will.

She could become a spinster, like Emily Dickinson, writing poems full of dashes and brilliance, and never gaining weight.