Clergyman's

A bird's-eye view does not see the truth.
- Bernard MacLaverty

We went on a school trip down the Rhine one summer and I saw a crucifixion that made all others pale for me. It was a painting. And it was the first thing like that which had any effect on me. I stood and stared at it for so long the teachers lost me and had to come back for me.
- Bernard MacLaverty

He continued talking. ""When you find out about real education you can never leave it alone. I don't mean A-levels and things like that - you are just proving something to yourself with them - but books, ideas, feelings. Everything to do with up here."" He tapped his temple. ""And here."" He tapped the middle of his chest.
- Bernard MacLaverty

Are you a conduit for the music?
- Bernard MacLaverty

Are you a conduit for the music?
- Bernard MacLaverty

Sometimes I have difficulty with the avant-garde. There's a gallery in London I've been to and it's difficult to tell what's going on. A bag of nails, a ladder, a hammer - a crisp bag in the corner. Is it an exhibition or are they preparing an exhibition? Is the artist asking me to pay attention to something trivial or important?
- Bernard MacLaverty

Michael wondered why it was the tragic things that remained with him most vividly.
- Bernard MacLaverty

Alcohol is the rubber tyres between me and the pier."" He held up his glass to her. They chinked.
- Bernard MacLaverty

Sit down, son, don't loom.
- Bernard MacLaverty

Four pounds?""
Still the woman hesitated.
""Any less and it'd be a favour,"" he said. Already he was out of pocket. He stood up to end the bargaining.
- Bernard MacLaverty