The great thing about writing compared to life is getting to tie things up.

You can step in the same river but the water will always be new.

Some people spend their whole lives looking for themselves, yet our self is the one thing we surely cannot lose (how like a cheap philosopher I am become, staying in this benighted place). From the moment we are conceived it is the pattern in our blood and our bones are printed through with it like sticks of seaside rock. Nora, on the other hand, says that she’s surprised anyone knows who they are, considering that every cell and molecule in our bodies has been replaced many times over since we were born.

(although anyone with half a brain must surely be mired in existential gloom all the time)

She was a terrible mother, there was no doubt about it, but she didn't even have the strength to feel guilty.

No point in thinking, you just have to get on with life. We only have one after all, we should try and do our best. We can never get it right, but we must try.

The past is a cupboard full of light and all you have to do is find the key that opens the door.