I happen to write by hand. I don't even type. John le Carre handhappentype Change image and share on social
People who've had very unhappy childhoods are pretty good at inventing themselves. If nobody invents you for yourself, nothing is left but to invent yourself for others. John le Carre childhoodgoodhave Change image and share on social
When I was 16 or 17, anyone could have had me if they sang the right song and recruited me in the right way. Which is why I've always had a sneaking understanding for people who took the wrong route. That doesn't mean to say I took it or even contemplated it myself. John le Carre contemplatehavepeople share on social
There was an ITV television production of the second novel I wrote, called 'Murder of Quality.' It was a little murder story set in a public school - I'd once taught at Eton, and I used that stuff. John le Carre calletonitv Change image and share on social
I grew up in a completely bookless household. It was my father's boast that he had never read a book from end to end. John le Carre boastbookbookless Change image and share on social
Totalitarian states killed with impunity and no one was held accountable. That didn't happen in the West. John le Carre accountablehappenhold Change image and share on social
But I think the real tension lies in the relationship between what you might call the pursuer and his quarry, whether it's the writer or the spy. John le Carre callliepursuer Change image and share on social
I don't think that there are very many good writers who don't live without a sense of tension. If they haven't got one immediately available to them, then they usually manage to manufacture it in their private lives. John le Carre goodimmediatelylive share on social
Writing is like walking in a deserted street. Out of the dust in the street you make a mud pie. John le Carre desertdustmake Change image and share on social
Completing a book, it's a little like having a baby. John le Carre babybookcomplete Change image and share on social