Ivy Compton-Burnett quotes

Ivy Compton-Burnett was a British novelist renowned for her sharp, dialogue-driven novels exploring family dynamics and power. Her works often depict the complexities of upper-middle-class English households. She is recognized for her distinctive literary style and keen psychological insight. Here are 18 of her quotes:

A leopard does not change his spots, or change his feeling that spots are rather a credit. (Ivy Compton-Burnett)
My youth is escaping without giving me anything it owes me. View quote
Ivy Compton-Burnett
There is more difference within the sexes than between them. View quote
Ivy Compton-Burnett
Well, of course, people are only human... But it really does not seem much for them to be. View quote
Ivy Compton-Burnett
There is probably nothing like living together for blinding people to each other. View quote
Ivy Compton-Burnett
People who have power respond simply. They have no minds but their own. View quote
Ivy Compton-Burnett
As regards plots I find real life no help at all. Real life seems to have no plots. View quote
Ivy Compton-Burnett
At a certain point my novels set. They set just as hard as that jam jar. And then I know they are finished. View quote
Ivy Compton-Burnett
Time is not a great healer. It is an indifferent and perfunctory one. Sometimes it does not heal at all. And sometimes when it seems to, no healing has been necessary. View quote
Ivy Compton-Burnett
Pushing forty She's hanging on for dear life. View quote
Ivy Compton-Burnett
Appearances are not held to be a clue to the truth," said his cousin. "But we seem to have no other. (Ivy Compton-Burnett)
There isn't much to say. I haven't been at all deedy. View quote
Ivy Compton-Burnett
Anyone who picks up a Compton-Burnett finds it very hard not to put it down. View quote
Ivy Compton-Burnett
The most original novelist now writing in English. View quote
Ivy Compton-Burnett
Well, of course, people are only human," said Dudley to his brother, as they walked to the house behind the women. "But it really does not seem much for them to be. View quote
Ivy Compton-Burnett
Time has too much credit," said Bridget. "I never agree with the compliments paid to it. It is not a great healer. It is an indifferent and perfunctory one. Sometimes it does not heal at all. And sometimes when it seems to, no healing has been necessary. View quote
Ivy Compton-Burnett
I am ill at ease with people whose lives are an open book. View quote
Ivy Compton-Burnett
Real life seems to have no plot. View quote
Ivy Compton-Burnett

Ivy Compton-Burnett

Occupation: English Novelist
Born: June 5, 1884
Died: August 27, 1969
Quotes count: 18
Wikipedia: Ivy Compton-Burnett

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