“All people suffer from the dread of death, but we are mostly troubled by the uncertainties of time and circumstance.”

“Zealots see only faith or heresy, politicians see plots and conspiracies everywhere, lovers see devotion or betrayal in every action, and none of them can imagine a simple middle ground of stability or peace.”

“A recognisable picture of a spoilt 22-year-old girl experiencing her first love affair, knowing that she is infatuated with a totally unsuitable man who will alienate her friends and eventually cause herself serious damage, yet determined to press ahead whatever the cost.”

“People who avoid their fears also avoid their power.”

“We have to learn to be our own best friends because we fall too easily into the trap of being our own worst enemies.”

“Once upon a time she had felt trapped inside her story with its familiar characters and predictable plot. Now she felt locked out of it.”

“There is all the difference in the world between treasure and money.”