I believe in the art of literature, I believe in freedom of the imagination, I believe in the kind of liberties that we enjoy in these lucky countries of the world.

I would argue that religion comes from a desire to get to the questions of, 'Where do we come from?' and 'How shall we live?' And I would say I don't need religion to answer those questions.

Nobody wants to read a 600 page book in which the author is fabulous throughout.

Writers and politicians are natural rivals. Both groups try to make the world in their own images; they fight for the same territory.

British society has never been cleansed of the filth of imperialism.

The only people who see the whole picture,' he murmured, 'are the ones who step out of the frame.

I beat my sons in real-life table tennis, but virtually, I get murdered. I download games on the iPhone that I'm addicted to - I'm a master at "Angry Birds."