As it stands, motherhood is a sort of wilderness through which each woman hacks her way, part martyr, part pioneer; a turn of events from which some women derive feelings of heroism, while others experience a sense of exile from the world they knew.

What other grown-up gets told how to do their job so often as a writer?

Reality might be described as the eternal equipoise of positive and negative.

The British have always made terrible parents.

Leaving things behind and starting again is a way of coping with difficulties. I learnt very early in my life that I was able to leave a place and still remain myself.

I absolutely don't dislike children - I would choose their company over adult company any time.

It is interesting how keen people are for you to do something they would never dream of doing themselves, how enthusiasticall y they drive you to your own destruction.