I think Americans are wonderful film actors - the best in the world - but they are a very contemporary race and they look forward all the time.

In my defence I can only say that her past, too, like mine, like everyone's in fact, was a locked box. Occasionally we allow people a peep, but generally only at the top level. The darker streams of our memories we negotiate alone.

Sometimes the weekend gets hijacked by work, but as my mother would say, this is the right problem.

People tend to view history as if it were another planet and think the modern world was invented in 1963. I don't agree.

Plenty of friendships are sustainable through dinners and lunches, but will not stand a week away. So be careful with whom you go on holiday.

I never know which is worse: the sorrow when you hit the bird or the shame when you miss it.

If you are lucky, you have your moment. But it is never more than a moment. You have to enjoy it while it lasts.