190 Quotes by Maeve Binchy

She put her head down on the table and cried all the tears that she knew she should have cried in the past year and a half. But they weren’t ready then, they were now.

I was lucky enough to be fairly quick at understanding what was taught, but unlucky enough not to be really interested in it, so I always got my exams but never had the scholar’s love of learning for its own sake.

I think I’m brave because I’ve made decisions based – I hope not entirely selfishly – on what I think is right for me to do next.

If you don’t go to a dance, you can never be rejected, but you’ll never get to dance, either.

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.

I’ve had a good life, full of more success and happiness than I ever expected.

You say to yourself: ‘What could people, in all these countries, find in my books?’ and yet I think we’re all the same, anywhere. Everybody is a hero or a dramatic person in their own story if you just know where to look.

I have always believed that life is too short for rows and disagreements. Even if I think I’m right, I would prefer to apologize and remain friends rather than win and be an enemy.

I remember watching myself on video and being so disappointed with myself because I was constantly moving around the place and laughing. I thought, ‘I must be so much louder than I think I am. From inside it feels fine.’