Ursula craved solitude but she hated loneliness - Kate Atkinson

What did science ever do for the world, apart from make better ways of killing people?” Sylvie said.

Because life is an adventure, of course.”
“I would say it was more of an endurance race,” Sylvie said. “Or an obstacle course.

I'm always so glad,' Sylvie murmured, 'that I don't have to take a turn at being other people.'
'You're very good at being yourself,' Ursula said, aware that it didn't necessarily sound like a compliment.
'Well, I've had years of practice.