Books Quote by Diane Setterfield
““And my own feelings? Shame. For I had lied. Of course I loved books more than people. Of course I valued Jane Eyre over the anonymous stranger with his hand on the lever. Of course all of Shakespeare was worth more than a human life. Of course. Unlike Miss Winter, I had been ashamed to say so.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, 2006
The speaker confesses a deep shame for valuing literature and fictional characters over real people, revealing an obsessive attachment to stories.
In simple terms: I feel ashamed for loving books more than people.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and balance literary passion with real relationships.
Themes
guilt
literature
obsession
identity
loneliness
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
personal
confessional
When to use this quote
- reading clubs
- writing workshops
- therapy sessions
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Romanticism
escapism
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize stories over people?
- How does this affect your relationships?
A Different Perspective
Literature cannot replace human connection; emotional isolation may persist.
