Diane Setterfield Quotes

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"What if this is not a book about love? What if it's a book about survival?"

This quote suggests that the story being told may not be primarily focused on romantic love, but rather on the fundamental human instinct to endure, adapt, and survive in challenging circumstances. It underscores the idea that survival can be a powerful and transformative force in people's lives, potentially leading to growth, resilience, and even love as byproducts of overcoming adversity.

"The truth is never simple."

This quote by Diane Setterfield emphasizes that truth, especially in complex situations or when dealing with people, is not always straightforward or easily comprehended. It suggests that reality often involves layers of context, nuances, biases, and perspectives, making it challenging to discern the absolute or complete "truth." This quote encourages us to be open-minded, patient, and thoughtful when seeking understanding in our lives.

"We read, or we live."

This quote emphasizes that reading and living are two essential aspects of human existence, each enriching the other. Reading expands our minds, introduces us to different perspectives, cultures, and experiences, thereby enhancing our knowledge and empathy. On the other hand, life provides the raw material for our stories - it is the inspiration behind what we read and write. In essence, Diane Setterfield suggests that an engaged, open-minded individual who reads widely not only lives more fully but also enriches their own story through the knowledge and understanding gained from literature.

"To touch the hand of a dead man, to know that he was once alive and warm, gives us a feeling of nearness, of intimacy, that few other things can achieve."

This quote emphasizes the profound and intimate connection felt when encountering tangible evidence of another person's life, even after death. The act of touching a deceased individual's hand underscores our shared humanity – both in our mortality and our once-living existence. It evokes a sense of closeness that transcends time and space, providing a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness between people.

"It is in the nature of mystery that it beckons us on, and one thing always impels us towards another."

This quote suggests that mysteries, by their very nature, have an enticing quality that draws us in, compelling us to seek answers and uncover more truths. It implies that as we unravel one mystery, it often leads us to another, creating a perpetual cycle of curiosity and exploration. The quote highlights the human desire for understanding and our propensity to delve deeper into unknown or complex phenomena, thereby fostering personal growth and knowledge.