Conventional forms of narrative allow for different points of view, but for this book I wanted a structure whereby each of the main characters contributed a distinctive version of the story.

Quote by Penelope Lively

Topics: Penelope Lively Quotes

All history, of course, is the history of wars

All history, of course, is the history of wars

Since then, I have just read and read - but, that said, I suppose there...

Since then, I have just read and read - but, that said, I suppose there...

Every novel generates its own climate, when you get going.

Every novel generates its own climate, when you get going.

I didn't write anything until I was well over 30.

I didn't write anything until I was well over 30.

I do like to embed a fictional character firmly in an occupation.

I do like to embed a fictional character firmly in an occupation.

The consideration of change over the century is about loss, though I think that social...

The consideration of change over the century is about loss, though I think that social...

I didn't want it to be a book that made pronouncements.

I didn't want it to be a book that made pronouncements.

I'm not an historian and I'm not wanting to write about how I perceive the...

I'm not an historian and I'm not wanting to write about how I perceive the...

I'm now an agnostic but I grew up on the King James version, which I'm...

I'm now an agnostic but I grew up on the King James version, which I'm...

I have had to empty two family homes during the last few years - first,...

I have had to empty two family homes during the last few years - first,...

Deep down I have this atavistic feeling that really I should be in the country.

Deep down I have this atavistic feeling that really I should be in the country.

You learn a lot, writing fiction.

You learn a lot, writing fiction.

It was a combination of an intense interest in children's literature, which I've always had,...

It was a combination of an intense interest in children's literature, which I've always had,...

We make choices but are constantly foiled by happenstance.

We make choices but are constantly foiled by happenstance.

We all need a past - that's where our sense of identity comes from.

We all need a past - that's where our sense of identity comes from.

I can walk about London and see a society that seems an absolutely revolutionary change...

I can walk about London and see a society that seems an absolutely revolutionary change...

I've always been fascinated by the operation of memory - the way in which it...

I've always been fascinated by the operation of memory - the way in which it...

All I know for certain is that reading is of the most intense importance to...

All I know for certain is that reading is of the most intense importance to...

The pleasure of writing fiction is that you are always spotting some new approach, an...

The pleasure of writing fiction is that you are always spotting some new approach, an...

I'm not an historian but I can get interested - obsessively interested - with any...

I'm not an historian but I can get interested - obsessively interested - with any...