Quotes from Edward Docx

Childhood: it was like trying to chart an entire continent by the brief flare of a firework. Except that you had no idea that this was your only chance to explore for free, and instead you spent the five seconds of precious light gawping at the sky, stuffing treacle into your mouth. And then it went dark again.

The difference between the Russian character and the Western is that we Russians have learned to live our days in the full knowledge that whatever transpires in the interim, the sun will eventually expand and humanity will be incinerated. It's a way of life precisely opposite to the American Dream. Call is Russian fatalism if you like. But it gives us a sense of perspective, a sense of humor, and perhaps a certain dignity.

But just the same, she dared not allow her mind to look up, for she sensed that the tattered images of her dreams were still hung high on the masts of her consciousness like the ragged remainders of sails flapping after a storm.

Half the world is screaming for water and freedom when the other half is ordering cocktails and complaining about the service.

En ik sta te denken dat je toch gehoopt zou hebben dat iemand na al die tijd een douche zou hebben uitgevonden waarbij het gemakkelijk is om het water op de juiste temperatuur te krijgen. Maar dat lijkt de zoveelste te zijn dat de mensheid maar niet voor elkaar krijgt.

Het is natuurlijk om dingen te willen snappen, dat is een heel menselijke drang, maar soms valt er - op een bepaalde manier - niets te snappen.

Through forty years of impatience, Nicholas still could not make up his mind which was more annoying, the guile of straight women or the wiles of gay men.

For the first time in more than thirty years, Nicholas wanted the company of his blood—not the amicable converse of friendship, not the parley of a lover, but the marrow-talk of kin and consanguinity

Honest men have very little fun in life. It's a well-known fact.

Marriage is a generosity contest, and she won.

The afternoon arrived like an aggrieved trade unionist.

There is nothing sadder than a drunk in the rain wishing you well.

having learned a long time ago that the best way to handle unwanted men in public is to ignore them completely.

I gave her everything I could give," He winces as if there's a nerve which gets trapped in his heart whenever it pulls in a certain direction.

Something stayed him awhile yet. For the first time in his life he was feeling the traveler's thrill: a mixture of apprehension and excitement.