How soon country people forget. When they fall in love with a city it is forever, and it is like forever. As though there never was a time when they didn't love it. The minute they arrive at the train station or get off the ferry and glimpse the wide streets and the wasteful lamps lighting them, they know they are born for it. There, in a city, they are not so much new as themselves: their stronger, riskier selves.

I think some aspects of writing can be taught. Obviously, you can't teach vision or talent. But you can help with comfort.

For a long time I was convinced that the conflict between Jewish people and black people in this country was a media event.

Everybody gets everything handed to them. The rich inherit it. I don't mean just inheritance of money. I mean what people take for granted among the middle and upper classes, which is nepotism, the old-boy network.

In times of dread, artists must never choose to remain silent.

A dream is just a nightmare with lipstick.

My children are delightful people, whom I would love even if they weren't my children.