There are many things behind a good novel, but in particular there is a lot of work - a lot of patience, a lot of stubbornness, and a critical spirit.

Whether religious or racial, anti-Semitism is always repugnant, one of the most destructive manifestations of human stupidity and evil. What is profoundly expressed in it is man's traditional mistrust of the man who is not part of his tribe, that 'other' who speaks a different language, whose skin is a different color, and who participates in mysterious rites and rituals.

It is rare and almost impossible for a novel to have only one narrator.

It isn't true that convicts live like animals: animals have more room to move around.

A novel which persuades us of its truth is true however full of lies it may be

There is an incompatibility between literary creation and political activity.

Revolution will free society of its afflictions, while science will free the individual of his.