I spend my life writing fiction, so reading fiction isn't much of an escape. That's not always true, but I don't read much contemporary fiction. Alan Furst contemporaryescapefiction Change image and share on social
I don't inflict horrors on readers. In my research, I've uncovered truly terrible documentations of cruelty and torture, but I leave that offstage. I always pull back and let the reader imagine the details. We all know to one degree or another the horrors of war. Alan Furst backcrueltydegree share on social
I chose a time in the century which had the greatest moments for novels - the late '30s and World War II. Alan Furst 30scenturychoose Change image and share on social
Seattle's support system got me through those early, difficult years. It was a very funky, very friendly, very relaxed place that had it all for a writer. Alan Furst difficultearlyfriendly Change image and share on social
I would have loved to have another 10 Eric Ambler books. Alan Furst amblerbookeric Change image and share on social
Romantic love, or sex, is the only good thing in a life that is being lived in a dark way. Alan Furst darkgoodlife Change image and share on social
Graham Greene's work must be included in any survey of top-rank spy novels, and 'Our Man in Havana' may be his best. Alan Furst grahamgreenehavana Change image and share on social
The way I work: I pick a country. I learn the political history - I mean I really learn it; I read until it sinks in. Once I read the political history, I can project and find the clandestine history. And then I people it with the characters. Alan Furst characterclandestinecountry share on social
I write what I call 'novels of consolation' for people who are bright and sophisticated. Alan Furst brightcallconsolation Change image and share on social
I was going to be the best failed novelist in Paris. That was certainly not the worst thing in the world that one could be. Alan Furst badfailnovelist Change image and share on social