“The goblins of the city may hold committees to divide a single potato, but the strong and the cruel still sit on the hill, and drink vodka, and wear black furs, and slurp borscht by the pail, like blood. Children may wear through their socks marching in righteous parades, but Papa never misses his wine with supper. Therefore, it is better to be strong and cruel than to be fair. At least, one eats better that way. And morality is more dependent on the state of one’s stomach than of one’s nation.”

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Originally said in English.

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About Catherynne M. Valente

Catherynne M. Valente is an American fantasy and science fiction writer. She blends myth, folklore, and speculative fiction to create richly imaginative narratives that explore identity, history, and the supernatural. Her work often reimagines fairy tales and legends with a modern, poetic sensibility.

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