Quotes from Alison Goodman

I had never loved with such devotion. From what I had seen, it brought only suffering.

How did someone get so old in his spirit? The easy answers were brutality and ambition. But perhaps it was impossible to know the truth of another persons spirit.

We shall be useful. But just as importantly we shall be defiant, occasionally ill-mannered, and completely indomitable.

There was loss wherever she looked, even in the world of her imagination.

Sometimes there is no good choice.

the appearance of a shovel.

Her brother had not yet learned that, in the end, nothing ever stayed the same. Least of all people.

This book is dedicated to all the women out there who no longer have the patience or desire to put up with any nonsense.

I found power in accepting the truth of who I am. It may not be a truth that others can accept, but I cannot live any other way. How would it be to live a lie every minute of your life.

There was a saying that a man's true character was revealed in defeat. I thought it was also revealed in victory.

Men were always quick to believe in the madness of women.

You are wrong when you say there is no power in being a woman. When I think of my mother and the women in my tribe, and the hidden women in the harem, I know there are many types of power in this world...I found power in accepting the truth of who I am. It may not be a truth that others can accept, but I cannot live any other way. How would it be to live a lie every minute of your life? I don't think I could do it.

I have never heard a lady say 'arse,' the emperor said mildly. I haven't been a lady for long, I reminded him. A little demon–made of exhaustion and the emperors smile– pushed me into adding,For five years I've been saying 'arse.' It's hard to stop saying 'arse' after that many years. I suppose I should stop saying 'arse,' since ladies don't say- 'Arse', he finished for me. I met his grin.

He grunted. 'You have the courage of a warrior.' I watched him turn away and gather the clothes from the ground. He thought me courageous? But I was terrified - always terrified. 'No,' I said flatly. 'I don't. He paused from stuffing the invaluable robe between two bales. 'Are you frightened now?' I nodded, shame flushing my skin. 'Is it going to stop you?' 'No.' 'That is the courage of a warrior.

History does not care about the suffering of the individual. Only the outcome of their struggles.

It is not often that the real world conjures worse than what we can imagine.

A man who lifts his chin in pride will fail to see the chasm at his feet.

You have seen me at my worst and at my weakest. Let me show you my best.

I know that love is about power, too. Who gives, who takes. Who is willing to risk showing their true self.

Even a cornered rabbit will fight with teeth and claws.

You have less honour than a piece of shit.

A cold realisation washed over me. From now on, my master would not always be there to protect and counsel me. 'This is big. Too big,' I said. 'What do I do?' 'You follow your destiny,' Ryoko said. 'As we all do. With honour and courage.

You have far more courage than you think you do.

Too many doubts grow in the cracks of silence and separation.