Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress, Dai Sijie:

'It was not the Little Seamstress’s predicament that was making me weep, I think, nor was it relief at having come this far in my efforts to save her. It was hearing the name of Fu Lei, Balzac’s translator – someone I have never even met. It is hard to imagine a more moving tribute to the gift bestowed by an intellectual on mankind.'

'The balsam flower was the imperial emblem of Phoenix mountain , for in the shape of its showy petals and spur one can see the head, wings, feet and even the tail feathers of the mythical bird.'

The Incoherence of the Philosophies, 12^th century philosopher Abu Hamid al-Ghazzali:

‘a piece of cotton placed in a flame does not darken and smoulder because of the heat, but because God wants it to darken and smoulder. … laws of nature would put God’s hands in chains.'
'an erosion of the authority of individuals' followed in Islamic countries.

Dream 26/1/7

Juliette and a large dog with a domed back like a turtle’s.
A psychic dog.

I am playing with it. It leaves.
It stands before the conservatory turning
arches.

Sarah, my cat, is there, lying stock still.
‘Juliette!’ I call, concerned for her safety.

*

Dad slides down the banister at college
in chinos and beige jacket.
It’s too far. He falls to the side
at speed, jars his feet
and his arm is tugged
almost out of its socket
by the momentum. He cries out,
but keeps walking to the college
doors. I follow him.

When I am teaching, asking questions
to a packed class, he enters.
He plays music – a band called Sky –
I lose track of which student is speaking.
I meet Amanda’s eyes.
‘That’s a bit loud,’ I say to him.
‘I don’t think so.’
The classroom empties.

I walk upstairs, see Bridget
who I hide from, and find
Juliette in the library.

Quotes

Jo (colleague): ‘You have made a German think you are serious.’

Jim (landlord): If you want Matt, you can come round at 10.30 in the morning and we can whip you and then you can get it all out the way.

Matt: What would I do all day?

‘stolid with misery,’ (Fay Weldon on Assia Wevil)