“In old Chinese novels, especially in the Kimpeibai, usually after every ten or twenty pages of innocent description, the author invariably throws in an indecent scene as if he were quite punctually fulfilling a promise.”

“I don't remember who spoke first, but I do recall the first words between us: "How often we meet among old books!"This was the start of our friendship.”

“An obstacle which would frighten discreet men is nothing to determined women. They dare what men avoid, and sometimes they achieve an unusual success.”

“En este momento me siento triste. Pero cuando estoy tranquilo, el recuerdo de mi hogar colma mi imaginación. Con esa ilusión me duermo. La nostalgia no es un padecimiento excesivamente profundo en la vida.”

“Light up the eyes, boys! Light up the eyes!”

“A novel has to entertain -- that's the contract with the reader: you give me ten hours and I'll give you a reason to turn every page.”

“That was the trouble with life—it never quite fulfilled its promises.”