Esi Edugyan quotes:

Canada kills any conversation quick, I learned long ago. It's a little trick of mine.

Of all the excellent copyedits I've received over the years, Marie-Lynn Hammond's was by far the best. Her work on Half Blood Blues was incredibly sensitive and astute.

Folks think a lifetime is a thing stretched out over years. It ain't. It can happen quick as a match in a dark room.

I guess mercy is a muscle like any other. You got to exercise it, or it just cramp right up.

To me, chocolate was the sole reason we on this earth.

Ain't no glory made from being dependable.

It's early yet. It's always early, while you still alive.

What is luck but something made to run out.

The kid come in at a strange angle, made the notes glitter like crystal.

Ain't no man can outrun his fate.

It's like that, I guess, when the past come to collect what you owe.