I would stand transfixed before the windows of the confectioners' shops, fascinated by the luminous sparkle of candied fruits, the cloudy lustre of jellies, the kaleidoscope inflorescence of acidulated fruit drops - red, green, orange, violet: I coveted the colours themselves as much as the pleasure they promised me.

Marriage is traditionally the destiny offered to women by society. Most women are married or have been, or plan to be or suffer from not being.

In every society the artist or writer remains an outsider.

Americans are nature-lovers: but they only admit of nature proofed and corrected by man.

For years I thought my work still lay ahead, and now I find it is behind me: there was no moment when it took place.

The arrogance of some Christians would close heaven to them if, to their misfortune, it existed.

Literature in France seems to be undergoing a crisis now, and nothing comes immediately to mind.