“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.”

“Sylvie had an amazing life, but she didn't get to live it very often.”

“The sun shines. Readers read.”

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

“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.”

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

“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.”