Completing a book, it's a little like having a baby.... There's a feeling of relief and satisfaction when you get to the end. A feeling that you have brought your family, your characters, home. Then a sort of post-natal depression and then, very quickly, the horizon of a new book. The consolation that next time I will do it better.

I'm really a library man, or second-hand book man.

I don't think it is given to any of us to be impertinent to great religions with impunity.

It's a principle of mine to come into the story as late as possible, and to tell it as fast as you can.

I mean, you can't be less ruthless than the opposition simply because your government's policy is benevolent, can you now?

To possess another language is to possess another soul.

It's the oldest question of all, George. Who can spy on the spies?