Anyone who picks up a Compton-Burnett finds it very hard not to put it down. - Ivy Compton-Burnett

Un des plus grands romanciers que l'Angleterre ait jamais eus. ("One of the greatest novelists that England has ever had.")

Time has too much credit," said Bridget. "I never agree with the compliments paid to it. It is not a great healer. It is an indifferent and perfunctory one. Sometimes it does not heal at all. And sometimes when it seems to, no healing has been necessary.

Appearances are not held to be a clue to the truth," said his cousin. "But we seem to have no other.