Susanna Beard > Quotes

“palpitated her stomach.”
― Susanna Beard, The Perfect Life

“falling in love, a first kiss, the late teenage years, full of possibilities. I miss my family, my mama, my papa, my little sister, my lovely cousin Elena. The joy of a hug. Human contact. The anguish is a twist in my chest, a rock in my belly.”
― Susanna Beard, The Perfect Neighbour

“If you have hope, every small disappointment, every single, tiny failure builds and grows into a huge mass until your mind can’t deal with it anymore and you go mad.”
― Susanna Beard, The Perfect Neighbour

“Often the people with the most money can be the meanest.”
― Susanna Beard, The Perfect Neighbour

“stepped from the pavement into the tiny lobby and turned immediately left to climb the stairs to the first floor. There was one reasonably sized bedroom, a living room about the same size with a kitchen area in one corner, and a small shower room. It was newly redecorated, the kitchen well equipped, despite the lack of space, and it was light and airy. There was just enough room for her books. It wasn’t perfect for guests though, and Daniel couldn’t stay long. Lauren had made it very clear this was a temporary arrangement. She was happy to help, but she’d chosen not to have flatmates, so he knew it wouldn’t be long-term. During his time there, she expected him to find something to do, somewhere to go, and then she’d maybe let him stay until he could move. As long as she knew he would be going. Lauren had always been like this. Fiercely independent, fiercely territorial. As a child she’d put large notices on her bedroom door: Keep Out Or Else! And later, Enter At Your Peril, All Who Approach. Even their mum wasn’t allowed in. Lauren cleaned the room herself, changed her own bed and kept the door shut. Once, Daniel had ventured in while his sister was at her music lesson. He only wanted to see what was in there, what was so important that nobody was allowed in.”
― Susanna Beard, The Perfect Witness