To be honest, the only thing I ever really wanted to be was a writer - since I read 'Charlotte's Web' as a child.

Her voice was slightly accented but her French was perfect. Someone who'd not just learned the language but loved it. And it showed with every syllable. Gamache knew it was impossible to split language from culture. That without one the other withered. To love the language was to respect the culture.

I've seen enough successful writers who no longer seem to care when they are recognized with an award, and I think that's just tragic.

Better to accept the wretched truth than struggle, twisting to make a wish a reality.

Foolish people are never harmless. Stupidity accounts for as many crimes as anger and greed.

A good novel is a good novel, pointe finale. And I think what I'm writing is exactly that.

The night is a strawberry.