
History is a big word ... History is not the sort of animal you can domesticate.

But democracy isn't a state of perfection. It has to be improved, and that means constant vigilance.

As a writer, I've always been interested in others.

I was born in the Second World War during the Nazi invasion of my country.

I don't want to promote my own image either. I don't like going on television or mixing in literary circles.

It's very useful when politicians have doubts because there are so many choices to be made in the world.

My job is to look at what politics is doing, not be a politician myself.

Literature is my life of course, but from an ontological point of view. From an existential point of view, I like being a teacher.

Personally I don't trust literature that soothes people's consciences.

My books are about losers, about people who've lost their way and are engaged in a search.

The most important basis of any novel is wanting to be someone else, and this means creating a character.

I've always been drawn to tormented people full of contradictions.