I like to feel dumb. That’s how I know there’s more in the world than me.

A family's photograph album is generally about the extended family and, often, is all that remains of it.

The writers or artists I write about are not necessarily those I care most about (Shakespeare is still my favourite writer) but those whose work I feel has been neglected.

I think that there is generally less of a community and that the fragmentation of the left is a symptom. I think that it is less and less possible to take for granted certain cultural references.

Using quotations was at first quite spontaneous for me, but then this use became strengthened through reflection. But originally this practice came out of temperament.

Perversity is the muse of modern literature.

Lying is an elementary means of self-defense.