Tibor Fischer

“Outside their country, Hungarian directors have had, from the critics at least, a friendly reception.”

“Some years ago, I fired my agent, Andrew Wylie, alias The Jackal. I want to stress this wasn't an amicable parting of the ways or a hankering on my part for fresh representation. I fired him because his agency wasn't doing enough for me.”

“I don't know why they call it life, it's just a moment with memories.”

“I went to a British Council event a while back and there were lots of German professors of literature. About half of them were convinced I had a German sense of humour and the other half were sure it was British. They are probably still arguing about it now.”

“One of the reasons why I don't write the same kind of book again and again is that I get bored very easily, so I like to make things interesting for myself.”

“It's true, some senior Hungarian writers are not known for their laughter. There is a strong Germanic influence - an attitude that if it's enjoyable it can't possibly be literature.”

“As an author, I realise, you're on your own. You have to do everything you can to help The Book. If I make sure people know it's out there, they can make up their own minds whether they want to read it.”

“You don't really have to go anywhere in particular in New York City to have a good time. In every part of town, there's always something going on. It helps to know people there, too, because everything changes so fast, and they will be able to point out what's hot this month.”

“Laziness always wins.”

“It's what the reader thinks that counts.”

“New York City has fantastic restaurants and, unlike London, a lot of the best restaurants are relatively cheap.”

“I'm not the most prolific writer in the world, and, sadly, writing a novel involves a lot of effort.”