“Von Loewe really should know me well enough by now to realize that I am not going to face my execution without a fight. Or with anything remotely resembling dignity.”

“A whore, we've established that, filthy, it goes without saying, but whatever else the hell I am, I AM NOT ENGLISH.”

“He just put his hand through the bulkhead, exactly as she'd done, and squeezed my shoulder. He has very strong fingers.And he kept his hand there the whole way home, even when he was reading the map and giving me headings.So I am not flying alone now after all.”

“I am no longer afraid of getting old. Indeed I can't believe I ever said anything so stupid. So childish. So offensive and arrogant.But mainly, so very, very stupid. I desperately want to grow old.”

“And this, even more wonderful and mysterious, is also true: when I read it, when I read what Julie's written, she is instantly alive again, whole and undamaged. With her words in my mind while I'm reading, she is as real as I am. Gloriously daft, drop-dead charming, full of bookish nonsense and foul language, brave and generous. She's right here. Afraid and exhausted, alone, but fighting. Flying in silver moonlight in a plane that can't be landed, stuck in the climb—alive, alive, ALIVE.”

“Nothing like an arcane literary debate with your tyrannical master while you pass the time leading to your execution.”

“But I have told the truth. Isn't that ironic? They sent me because I am so good at telling lies. But I have told the truth.”