Joanna Trollope Quotes

Powerful Joanna Trollope for Daily Growth

About Joanna Trollope

Joanna Trollope, born on October 23, 1943, in London, England, is a renowned British novelist and social commentator known for her insightful and thought-provoking works that explore the intricacies of modern relationships and family dynamics. Raised in an academic family, Trollope attended the University of Oxford where she studied English literature. Her literary journey began when she wrote for the BBC's Children's Department, before moving to become a freelance writer and broadcaster. Her first novel, 'Women Unwoved!', was published in 1970 under the pseudonym Caroline Harvey. However, it was her second novel, 'The Rector's Wife' (1974), that truly established her as a significant voice in contemporary fiction. This book marked the beginning of her successful writing career, which has spanned over four decades. Trollope is particularly recognized for her ability to portray complex social issues with empathy and understanding, often set within the context of middle-class British society. Her works include 'The Choir' (1985), 'A Village Affair' (1990), 'Heartland' (1992), and 'The Best of Families' (2003). In 1996, she was awarded the OBE for her services to literature. In addition to her literary pursuits, Trollope is a respected social commentator, often contributing to various newspapers and magazines on topics related to family, work, and society. She has also served as a judge for several prestigious literary awards. Joanna Trollope's work continues to resonate with readers due to her keen insight into human nature and her ability to create characters that are relatable, complex, and unforgettable. Her contribution to contemporary British literature is significant and enduring.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Marriage is not a battle to be won; it's a life to be shared."

This quote by Joanna Trollope suggests that marriage should not be approached as a competition or a struggle for dominance, but rather as a partnership where two individuals come together to share their lives, experiences, and responsibilities. It's a commitment to support, understand, and grow with each other, not to defeat or conquer one another. The focus is on building a loving and fulfilling relationship, not on achieving victory in a contest.


"Real happiness often sneaks in through the back door when you are expecting something else."

This quote suggests that true, lasting happiness can unexpectedly enter our lives in unanticipated ways or moments, surreptitiously making its presence known while we are focused on something else. In essence, it encourages us to appreciate the subtle joys and contentments in life that may arise when we least expect them.


"Friendships that have survived early romantic entanglements are among the most precious of all."

This quote by Joanna Trollope emphasizes the depth and resilience of friendships formed during the early stages of romantic relationships. Such friendships, which endure through the complexities of romantic entanglements, are considered especially valuable because they demonstrate a bond that surpasses the fleeting nature of romance. These friendships often carry an understanding and trust that is deeper than typical acquaintanceship, as both parties have navigated the challenges of early romantic involvement together. The quote suggests that these enduring friendships are rare gems, worth cherishing and nurturing.


"The best relationships, whether they are friendships or marriages, are those in which both people feel they can just be themselves."

This quote by Joanna Trollope emphasizes the importance of authenticity and mutual respect in significant relationships. When individuals in a relationship feel safe to express their true selves without fear of judgment or rejection, it fosters trust, understanding, and deep connections. Such relationships not only enrich personal growth but also create strong emotional bonds that can weather life's storms.


"Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions."

This quote suggests that happiness is not a predetermined state, but rather an outcome of one's intentional actions. In other words, true happiness stems from personal efforts, choices, and experiences, rather than relying on external circumstances or events. It encourages the idea that by taking meaningful actions, individuals can create their own happiness, fostering a sense of personal responsibility and empowerment.


I am not a fan of the cupcake image. This idea that you can distract a girl with something frivolous like a cake or shoes or handbags, and she won't be a threat to men.

- Joanna Trollope

Handbags, Like, Image, Frivolous

I'm actually rather orderly, although the way that I write is not.

- Joanna Trollope

I Write, Actually, Although, Orderly

Oddly my name has been no professional help at all! It seems to have made no difference. I admire him hugely, both for his benevolence and his enormous psychological perception.

- Joanna Trollope

Been, Hugely, Psychological, Oddly

My view of an excellent novel was probably set in the golden age of fiction in the 19th century: narrative, character and voice are of equal importance.

- Joanna Trollope

Voice, Excellent, Set, Golden Age

I'm no lyrical stylist; you wouldn't pick me for a perfect sentence, and I certainly wouldn't describe my novels as intellectual.

- Joanna Trollope

Perfect, Sentence, Certainly, Novels

I don't always set stories in villages, more often in towns. But always in smallish communities because the characters' actions are more visible there, and the dramatic tension is heightened.

- Joanna Trollope

Always, Tension, Set, Communities

I don't need to marry again. I've been married twice, and I love it when it works, but these days we live until we're 80 and marriages are jolly long.

- Joanna Trollope

Love, Been, Works, Jolly

I plot the first 5 or 6 chapters quite minutely, and also the end. So I know where I am going but not how I'm going to get there, which gives characters the chance to develop organically, as happens in real life as you get to know a person.

- Joanna Trollope

Life, How, Chapters, Organically

You can't love a library of e-books. You can't furnish a room with e-books.

- Joanna Trollope

Love, Library, You, Furnish

I've experienced huge kindness here, a great welcome and some very generous reviews without the snide social edge I often suffer from at home. I'm not patronized here either, which I much appreciate!

- Joanna Trollope

Here, Some, Very, Experienced

All TV can do is capture the spirit of a book because the medium is so utterly different. But I'm very grateful for the readers that Masterpiece Theatre has undoubtedly brought me.

- Joanna Trollope

Grateful, Very, TV, Undoubtedly

You can change yourself and you can change the situation but you absolutely cannot change other people. Only they can do that.

- Joanna Trollope

Change, Other, Absolutely, Situation

You can't help parts of yourself leaking into other characters.

- Joanna Trollope

Help, Other, Characters, Leaking

My advice would be not to write until after 35. You need some experience, and for life to knock you about a bit. Growing up is so hard you probably won't have much emotion to spare anyway.

- Joanna Trollope

Advice, Some, Knock, Anyway

I'm a third done into a new book but sorry - I have a superstition about talking about it!

- Joanna Trollope

Book, New, Third, Sorry

I'm an enormous fan of people who have had a lot of faith in themselves, and been on a tremendous journey.

- Joanna Trollope

Fan, Been, Lot, Tremendous

Out of respect to writers, you have to read the book in the way in which the author visualised it going out into the world.

- Joanna Trollope

Going, Which, Read, Author

I am often criticised for being rather accessible.

- Joanna Trollope

I Am, Rather, Often, Accessible

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