Quotes from Mal Peet

I hate Tolkien. I mean. Bloody pretentious escapist nonsense, isn't it?

Philip managed a reasonably good impersonation of British POW ignoring a flesh wound.

I felt suddenly let down. Not depressed, exactly. I can only describe it as that feeling you get when you have to go back to school after a perfect holiday. Reality tugging at you, like a friend you don't really like.