Per Petterson Quotes

I remember a lot of dreams. Sometimes they are hard to distinguish from what has really happened. That is not so terrible. It is the same with books.

I rely heavily on rhythm when I write. You should tap your foot when you read it, all the way through.

If I just concentrate I can walk into memory's store and find the right shelf with the right film and disappear into it.

A dead dog is more quiet than a house on the steppes, a chair in a empty room.

You decide for yourself when it will hurt.

In a household tragedy, you are very much aware of being alone. It is something that is possible to grasp, and that is why it hurts so much. Because you are alone. I know a little about this.

I write about families. That is who we are.

But that's life. That's what you learn from; when things happen. Especially at your age. You just have to take it in and remember to think afterwards and not forget and never grow bitter.

I worked in a bookstore in Oslo, importing the English-language books.

A lot can change because you are embarrassed by something.

But that's life. That's what you learn from when things happen. Especially at your age. You just have to take it in and remember to think afterwards and not forget and never grow bitter.

...you suddenly realise that every chance of being the person you really wanted to be, is gone for ever, and the one you were, is the one those around you will remember.