tramps like us

I have lived in important places, times When great events were decided, who owned That half a rood of rock, a no-man’s land Surrounded by our pitchfork-armed claims. I heard the Duffys shouting “Damn your soul!” And old McCabe stripped to the waist, seen Step the plot defying blue cast-steel - “Here is the march along these iron stones.” That was the year of the Munich bother. Which Was more important? I inclined To lose my faith in Ballyrush and Gortin Till Homer’s ghost came whispering to my mind. He said: I made the Iliad from such A local row. Gods make their own importance.

Do you love Stefano?’ She said very seriously, ‘Very much.’ 'More than your parents, more than Rino?’ 'More than everyone, but not more than you.’ 'You’re making fun of me.’ But meanwhile I thought: even if she’s kidding, it’s nice to talk like this, in the sun, sitting on the warm concrete, with our feet in the water; never mind if she didn’t ask what book I’m reading; never mind if she didn’t find out how the exams went. Maybe it’s not all over: even after she’s married, something between us will endure.

Q. What is the best thing that you hope readers could take away from your work? A. That even if we’re constantly tempted to lower our guard — out of love, or weariness, or sympathy or kindness — we women shouldn’t do it. We can lose from one moment to the next everything that we have achieved. Q. Is there anything else you’d like to add? A. No.