It's received wisdom that the English are uniquely child-unfriendly.

Nicole Kidman in particular seems to bring out the butt-kisser in the sassiest of hackettes, as they ceaselessly strive to portray her as some sort of cross between Mother Teresa and Marilyn Monroe.

To believe that one, or even three, mates can supply all the things one needs from one's friends is as stupid as believing married couples must do everything together.

As a child, I wanted only two things - to be left alone to read my library books, and to get away from my provincial hometown and go to London to be a writer. And I always knew that when I got there, I wanted to make loads of money.

A good part - and definitely the most fun part - of being a feminist is about frightening men.

Women, more often than not, do things which aren't remotely relaxing but are all about preening, which is just another sort of work.

It has been said that a pretty face is a passport. But it's not, it's a visa, and it runs out fast.