It was reasonable to struggle, to suffer, perhaps even to die, for a more just, a more compassionate society, but not in a world with no future where, all to soon, the very words "justice," "compassion," "society," "struggle," "evil," would be unheard echoes on an empty air.

I still occasionally need to struggle but I now fear it less. The weapons I fight it with are also my consolations: books, music, food, wine, nature.

Love, always love. Perhaps that’s what we’re all looking for.

There are few couples as unhappy as those who are too proud to admit their unhappiness.

All fiction is largely autobiographical and much autobiography is, of course, fiction.

the unforgivable was usually the most easily forgiven.

Open your mind to new experiences, particularly to the study of other ­people. Nothing that happens to a writer – however happy, however tragic – is ever wasted.