I am not a member of Fat Liberation, nor do I think that obesity is healthy. But I do believe that in many ways my life has been a more charmed and happy one because I was always large. Maeve Binchy charmfathappy Change image and share on social
My father went to work by train every day. It was half an hour's journey each way, and he would read a paperback in four journeys. After supper, we all sat down to read - it was long before TV, remember! Maeve Binchy dayfatherhalf share on social
I never wanted to write. I just wrote letters home from a kibbutz in Israel to reassure my parents that I was still alive and well fed and having a great time. They thought these letters were brilliant and sent them to a newspaper. So I became a writer by accident. Maeve Binchy accidentalivebrilliant share on social
I was very pleased, obviously, to have outsold great writers. But I'm not insane - I do realise that I am a popular writer who people buy to take on vacation. Maeve Binchy buygreatinsane Change image and share on social
We're nothing if we're not loved. When you meet somebody who is more important to you than yourself, that has to be the most important thing. Maeve Binchy importantlovemeet Change image and share on social
I suppose, to be fair, I don't miss the energy of youth very much - because I was never fit. So it doesn't matter not being able to walk miles, striding the countryside, taking deep breaths and enjoying the scenery. That was never on my agenda. Maeve Binchy agendumbreathcountryside share on social
I don't have ugly ducklings turning into swans in my stories. I have ugly ducklings turn into confident ducks. Maeve Binchy confidentduckduckling Change image and share on social
Happiness is in our own hearts. I have no regrets of anything in the past. I'm totally cheerful and happy, and I think that a lot of your attitude is not in the circumstances you find yourself in, but in the circumstances you make for yourself. Maeve Binchy attitudecheerfulcircumstance share on social
When my sister Joan arrived, I asked if I could swap her for a rabbit. When I think what a marvellous friend she's been, I'm so glad my parents didn't take me at my word. Maeve Binchy arriveaskfriend Change image and share on social
Women who start out as ugly ducklings don't become beautiful swans. What they mainly become is confident ducks. They take charge of their lives. Maeve Binchy beautifulchargeconfident Change image and share on social
