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John Truscott: I've never met anyone, even a little like you.
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John Truscott: [In a letter to Cecil] Sharing is so much a part of their life that they have no word for "thank you".
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John Truscott: [Post-sex] I'm sorry that was too quick wasn't it?
Selima: You teach me English, I teach you this.
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Neville: What did you say to her?
John Truscott: Oh I told Tipong that if you hit her again she should wait till you're asleep and then cut off your testicles with a kitchen knife.
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Neville: Welcome back to hell.
[Shakes John's hand]
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John Truscott: I want us to be happy.
Cecil: Then why aren't we?
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Henry: [Giving Selima to John] She will be living with you.
John Truscott: As what?
Henry: She performs wifely duties.
John Truscott: What like sewing?
Henry: [pause and snicker] She performs wifely duties in the bedroom.
Selima: I sleep with you.
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Selima: You won't come! They'll say you're an Englishman!
John Truscott: Then I'll tell them I'd rather have you than a country... or a language... or a history.
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Cecil: [to John] I want to have what you and her have.
[They embrace]
Cecil: Now go. I want you to go.
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John Truscott: [after a bad day] Sorry about this afternoon. I should've stopped her sooner. Selima... you had other lovers before me, didn't you? Did you and they have what we have?
Selima: Yes. They were men like you.
John Truscott: [He is a little surprised] I thought we had something special.
Selima: No. We fuck. That's all.
[She gets up and walks out of the room, and he goes after her]
John Truscott: Wait! You're angry. You're not telling the truth.
Selima: I'm angry! That's why I'm telling the truth! Half my blood is English. That is more that your king and queen, but for you that is not good enough. So Iban I'll be. Rule me if you must, but nothing else.
[Sits on the bed and opens her legs]
Selima: Go ahead. Do your sex. Don't mind me.
[Imitates Cecil]
Selima: Hands higher! That's it! Perfect.
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Henry: You know?
Selima: I guess eventually.
Henry: It seems I only get to say goodbye.
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Aggie: Do you care nothing for your daughter?
Henry: I care a great deal for them both.
Aggie: Cecil tell him!
Cecil: [to her mother] I don't want to hurt John... or my sister.
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John Truscott: When I saw you lying there suddenly everything became clear. I want to stay with you forever... if you'll have me.
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Cecil: [to John] If you're about to be killed at least stay for dinner.
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Belansai: I am still the champion of ten Longhouses.
John Truscott: Oh yes, they say you can beat any girl on the river.
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Henry: Iban society is based on heavy drinking, violent sport and practical jokes. Just think of it as English public school, without the buggery.
The Sleeping Dictionary Quotes
Extended Reading
