Life is a huge farce, and the advantage of possessing a sense of humour is that it enables one to defy fate with mocking laughter. - George Gissing

Think of the very words “novel,” “romance” — what do they mean but exaggeration of one bit of life?

The sum of their faults was their inability to earn money; but, indeed, that inability does not call for unmingled disdain.

I seem anything but lovable. I don't underrate my powers — rather the opposite, no doubt; but what I always seem to lack is the gift of pleasing — moral grace. My strongest emotions seem to be absorbed in revolt; for once that I feel tenderly, I have a hundred fierce, resentful, tempestuous moods. To be suave and smiling in common intercourse costs me an effort.