It's what the reader thinks that counts.

It's true, some senior Hungarian writers are not known for their laughter. There is a strong Germanic influence - an attitude that if it's enjoyable it can't possibly be literature.

Most books reviews aren't very well-written. They tend to be more about the reviewer than the book.

Outside their country, Hungarian directors have had, from the critics at least, a friendly reception.

Some years ago, I fired my agent, Andrew Wylie, alias The Jackal. I want to stress this wasn't an amicable parting of the ways or a hankering on my part for fresh representation. I fired him because his agency wasn't doing enough for me.

When I think of Hungarian films, I think of despair and bleakness, and what's more, despair and bleakness of indefensible duration.