Emily Perkins Quotes

Powerful Emily Perkins for Daily Growth

About Emily Perkins

Emily Perkins (born 1972) is a renowned New Zealand author known for her distinctive voice and insightful exploration of femininity, family dynamics, and the human condition. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Perkins was raised by her mother, a social worker, and her stepfather, a minister. This upbringing exposed her to diverse perspectives and experiences that would later shape her writing. She studied English Literature at Victoria University of Wellington before moving to London to pursue a master's degree in creative writing at the Royal Holloway College. Her debut novel, "The New Girl" (2003), set against the backdrop of a Wellington school, was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers Prize and established her as a significant voice in contemporary literature. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of adolescence with a raw honesty that resonated with readers worldwide. Perkins' second novel, "Novel About My Wife" (2007), was also critically acclaimed. It is a poignant story about love, loss, and the hidden narratives within relationships. The novel was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction and won the Betty Trask Award. In 2013, Perkins published "Jar of Hearts," a dark psychological thriller that delves into the psyche of a serial killer. This departure from her usual style showcased her versatility as a writer. Emily Perkins' works are deeply influenced by her experiences and observations of the world around her. Her writing is characterized by its emotional depth, vivid imagery, and profound insights into human nature. She continues to be an influential figure in New Zealand literature and beyond.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I could have danced all night" - This quote is from her novel 'The Moptop' and mirrors the classic song from My Fair Lady.

The quote "I could have danced all night" embodies a sense of timeless, unbridled joy and enthusiasm. In the context of Emily Perkins' novel 'The Moptop', it likely signifies an intense, prolonged period of fun or connection that the character immerses themselves in, much like the original song from My Fair Lady suggests. It could also imply a longing for such moments to last forever, as dancing all night symbolizes living in the moment and finding pleasure in simple acts.


"Life doesn't always give you the answers after the crisis has passed." - From her novel 'Visitation Street'.

This quote emphasizes that life does not always provide straightforward solutions or insights immediately after a challenging event (crisis) has occurred. Instead, it suggests that understanding, growth, and healing can sometimes come long after the crisis itself, encouraging patience, reflection, and resilience in navigating life's complexities.


"There are some things that I can never tell anyone." - Another quote from 'Visitation Street'.

The quote highlights the concept of personal, private experiences or emotions that are too intimate, sensitive, or complex to be shared with others. These secrets, feelings, or events form an ineffable part of a person's life, shaping their identity but remaining hidden from the outside world. In Emily Perkins' 'Visitation Street,' characters grapple with such unspoken truths and the challenges they pose for relationships and self-understanding.


"The world is full of ordinary things, and to make one of them extraordinary takes a great deal of imagination." - This quote is from 'Novel About My Wife'.

The quote suggests that even common or ordinary things can be transformed into something extraordinary through the power of one's imagination. Emily Perkins encourages us to use our creativity to find beauty, meaning, and wonder in everyday life, and reminds us that we have the ability to make the mundane magical if only we choose to see it differently.


"It's the small betrayals that matter." - From her short story collection 'The New Girl'.

This quote suggests that the seemingly minor instances of disloyalty or dishonesty, often overlooked due to their insignificance in comparison to larger transgressions, can have a profound impact on relationships and trust. These "small betrayals" accumulate over time and can eventually lead to deeper wounds than one significant act of deception. The quote emphasizes the importance of honesty and loyalty in all interactions, even when they seem trivial, as their absence can erode the foundation of any relationship.


I love contemporary North American fiction and short fiction. My favorite writer is Jonathan Franzen, and my favorite writers of short fiction are George Saunders and Alice Munro.

- Emily Perkins

Love, Fiction, North, North American

One of my favourite actresses is Kate Winslet. She plays strong female characters and seems like she has a strong political awareness. I really like Naomi Watts and Juliette Lewis.

- Emily Perkins

Strong, Plays, Naomi, Lewis

My fans have been so great. I'll go on fansites and read messages they put, and they all seem like really nice people.

- Emily Perkins

Like, Been, Read, Nice People

I'm a big fan of 'Woody Allen' movies, so I like all the actresses in his movies like 'Diane Keaton' and Mia Farrow.

- Emily Perkins

Big, Diane, Allen, Woody

I'd love to do comedy. And I think I have pretty good sense of comic timing, so I'd really like to try that.

- Emily Perkins

Love, Think, Pretty, Pretty Good

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.