“then I saw that there was a way to hell, even from the gates of heaven.”

“So what to do? . . . She shook her head impatiently. Choice is a largely delusional concept, her tutor used to say. Whether in politics, morals or shopping, we have far less than we imagine. In the end what we have to do often doesn't even figure on our list of pseudo-options.”

“His attitude to physical clues was rather like that of the modern Christian to miracles. They could happen, but probably not just at the moment.”

“It takes a great deal of courage to stand alone even if you believe in something very strongly.”

“When most of us hear the word cells, we think biology. I think penitentiary. (It's an occupational hazard.)”

“[To my enemy:] Some are great, some are born great, some have greatness thrust upon them! And then there's you.”

“The best way to get even with anyone is to put them in the rearview mirror on your way to something better.”