Quotes from book

The Mandarins

“Because we are separated everything separates us, even our efforts to join each other.”

“She would never change, but one day at the touch of a fingertip she would fall to dust.”

“He formed his sentences hesitantly and then threw them at me with such force that I felt as if I were receiving a present each time”

“She offered her mouth to him, as if enchanted. A Persian princess, a little Indian, a fox, a morning glory, a lovely wisteria--it always pleased them when you told them they looked like something, like something else.”

“People seem to think that if you keep your head empty you automatically fill your balls.”

“I could see no reason for being sad. It´s just that it makes me unhappy not to feel happy.”

“All the opportunities you let slip by! The idea, the inspiration just doesn´t come fast enough. Instead of being open, you´re closed up tight. That´s the worst sin of all - the sin of omission.”