Alexandra Ripley

“Charlestonians had a particularly vicious and cunning game, developed after the War. They treated outsiders with so much graciousness and consideration that their politeness became a weapon. 'Visitors end up feeling as if they're wearing shoes for the first time in their lives. It's said that only the strongest ever recover from the experience. The Chinese never developed a torture to match it, although they're a very subtle people.”

“Books have become products, like cereal or perfume or deodorant.”

“Scarlett O'Hara did the most courageous thing she had ever been called on to do. She faced up to failure.”

“Should-haves solve nothing. It's the next thing to happen that needs thinking about.”

“How could a man know the truth of his own soul?”

“I really don't know why Scarlett has such appeal. When I began writing the sequel, I had a lot of trouble because Scarlett is not my kind of person. She's virtually illiterate, has no taste, never learns from her mistakes.”