Ambitious, absorbing, and poignantly moving.

I rarely write in my own voice except in book reviews and memoirs; otherwise, I am writing in mediated voices, modulated in terms of the characters whom the voices express.

Honorary degrees and lifetime achievement awards are very encouraging. I know that it might sound strange that a writer who has published many books still needs encouragement, but this is true.

No, the thing is, we all love storytelling, and as a writer you get to tell stories all the time.

On the elusive gift of blending austerity of craft with elasticity of allure.

Is there any mystery like who you finally turn out to be.

The mysteries of the female sex! We men can never hope to fathom your depths, but only try not to drown in them.