27 Quotes by Geoff Ryman

It is necessary to distinguish between history and fantasy wherever possible. And then use them against each other.

In a sense who you are has always been a story that you told to yourself. Now your self is a story that you tell to others.

Heaven is a place where you cannot change and nothing can ever happen, so the things you love are always eternal. Hell is exactly the same.

You always use that word "remember",' said Milena. 'You say, "remember, team". You never tell us to think.

This is what books only aimed to do and never could. Give you the glint of someone else's sunrise, what living is really like, you get old and it hurts to bend your elbow; your friends start to die, you can’t get fresh fruit in the shops.

Everything, no matter how beautiful, is only with us for awhile.

Milena's eyes seemed to go hot and heavy. Praise made her heartsick; she was so unused to it, and needed it so badly.

Milena found Cilia outside, holding her bamboo box. Milena hugged her. ‘I’m sorry about your shins,’ she said. Milena lifted the lid of the box, and saw it, the precious paper, ruled in staves. People were generous. Milena had never believed that.

William has learned in his bones that survival takes the form of other people. They must know you, and for that to happen you must know them. Speak with them, charm them, and remember them.