Rubyryan

“It is always worth itemizing happiness, there is so much of the other thing in a life, you had better put down the markers of happiness while you can.”
― Sebastian Barry, The Secret Scripture

“The terror and hurt in my story happened because when I was young I thought others were the authors of my fortune or misfortune; I did not know that a person could hold up a wall made of imaginary bricks and mortar against the horrors and cruel, dark tricks of time that assail us, and be the author therefore of themselves.”
― Sebastian Barry, The Secret Scripture

“Tears have a better character cried alone. Pity can sometimes be more wolf than dog.”
― Sebastian Barry, On Canaan's Side

“..the best of life is life lived quietly, where nothing happens but our calm journey through the day, where change is imperceptible and the precious life is everything.”
― John McGahern, All Will Be Well: A Memoir