The misfortune to be born when I was, where I was. That was a piece of bad luck.
Ruth Prawer JhabvalaThe older books were quite light-hearted. But I think most of my novels do end on a deep note of pessimism. Shadows seem to be closing in. The final conclusion isn't that life is wonderful and everything is bright and cheery and in the garden.
Ruth Prawer JhabvalaFilm is not like a book; it's not a writer's baby at all. So many people have put in their talent, by that time that you feel grateful for what they've done, you don't feel possessive about it in any way.
Ruth Prawer JhabvalaWesternized Indians don't like my books and I tend not to like westernized Indians - so we're quits.
Ruth Prawer Jhabvala