I don't have a deep link with England like, say, Jonathan Coe or Hanif Kureishi might demonstrate. For me, it is like a mythical place.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Contemporary Britain seems an endlessly fascinating place to me - but if I knew a little bit more about other places, and other times, maybe it wouldn't.
The English country house is certainly an icon of British culture.
The England I write about doesn't strike me as the real one.
London has been used as the emblematic English city, but it's far from representative of what life in England is actually about.
I love England - it's no secret.
It's unimaginable to meet a Pole or a German who does not know about the history of their country. But lots of English people don't know the difference between Britain and England.
I read about the history of England, of Manchester. I wanted to know how people here live, their interests.
Even modern English people are imperious, superior, ridden by class. All of the hypocrisy and the difficulties that are endemic in being British also make it an incredibly fertile place culturally. A brilliant place to live. Sad but true.
England is a fairly envious little country and it's embodied in the press. They don't like anyone being more distinguished than they are.
I love England and the historical aspect of it.