I'm often surprised that, you know, you encounter all types of humanity. And very often, there are some very decent people who don't stereotype even when you might, in your own mind, have stereotyped them to think that they will.

Walking is a meditative act. It's so rare that we allow ourselves just to be.

If differences can be hidden, perhaps they aren't differences at all.

I think the idea of migration through time is very important because every human being does that and it unites us with people who migrate through geography.

I like the idea of an open, international London that thrives on attracting hard-working, talented people but has the confidence to tell them they must play by the same rules as everyone else.

Living in a place like Pakistan, very often you meet people who are migrating abroad. And sometimes you'll ask their parents, you know - you didn't try to stop them? Like, why didn't you say, don't go - I'll miss you? Stay with me. And, you know, people say, well, it's best for them. They have to go. And parents, you know, take on that sadness because they know it's better for their children if they leave.

Why the brevity? Because I'd rather people read my book twice than only half-way through