"You Americans think in terms of one year or two; Russians think in centuries" (p. 8).

"The truth is that as time goes by, the population slowly accepts its fate" (p. 8).

"I am not exaggerating his excellence. He was a deep and wonderful writer" (p. 22).

"Since the Russians, the best orgies in Europe are in Czechoslovakia" (p. 25).

"If it weren't for sentiment, Zuckerman, one person would not pass another person a glass of water" (p. 32).

"The whole country is drunk" (p. 34).

"Prudence isn't your strong point" (p. 46).

"I know these Czech police—blow a little smoke in their faces and you'll see how brave they are" (p. 56).

"Everything is observed where the lights are on" (p. 56).

"Am I getting drastically paranoid or am I getting the idea?" p. 60).

"In Prague, stories aren't simply stories; it's what they have instead of life" (p. 64).

"In this nation of narrators I'd...