Olivia Smith

“You're a writer, so I thought you must be interested in patterns of human behavior. Writers are supposed to appreciate something for what it is, before they hand down a judgment.”
― Haruki Murakami, Barn Burning

“Thousands of girls have climbed up stairs and knocked on a door answered by a woman who is a complete stranger, to whom they are about to entrust their stomach and womb. And that woman, the only person who can rid them of their misfortune, would open the door, in an apron and patterned slippers, clutching a dish towel, and inquire, “yes, miss, can i help you?”
― Annie Ernaux, L'Événement

“Violence against nature always goes hand in hand with violence against people.”
― Stephen Markley, The Deluge

“People just wanted to hear their own voices, your response a comma punctuating their monologue.”
― Emma Cline, The Guest