“I realise I am going through one of those moments that I have had all my life. It has all the shock and surreality of déjà vu but without the hint of foresight. It’s as if I am suddenly missing several layers of skin, as if the world is closer and more tangible that ever before. Everything is presenting itself in colours and at a volume so vibrant, so lurid, it’s as if a dial has been turned up.”

— Maggie O’Farrell, from I am I am I am