" Graham Greene famously said that all writers need a chip of ice in their heart; Cusk can come across as the most beautiful ice palace of stalactites and stalagmites, and some people find her company, albeit by proxy, about as inviting as a long weekend in a walk-in frigidaire. "
- Julie Burchill

The quote suggests that a writer needs to maintain some emotional distance or detachment from their work and life experiences, implying that this coldness or lack of warmth can contribute to their creative output. The metaphorical description compares the author Eleyton Cusk to an ice palace with intricate formations, suggesting her writing is chilly but also highly structured and complex. It implies that interacting with such a writer might feel as unpleasant as spending time in a walk-in freezer.

At its core, this quote delves into the nature of creative expression and how it can sometimes require or benefit from emotional detachment. Graham Greene's assertion about writers needing to be emotionally distant suggests that a certain degree of objectivity is necessary for creating art that resonates with readers. The comparison of Eleyton Cusk’s writing style to an ice palace underscores the idea that her work, while cold and somewhat uninviting, possesses a unique beauty in its precision and structural integrity. This metaphor not only highlights the complexity and intricacy of her literary creations but also suggests that such artistic merit often comes at the cost of accessibility or emotional warmth for readers.

Julie Burchill is an experienced British journalist and author known for her provocative style and sharp wit. She has written numerous books, columns, and articles, covering a wide range of topics with a flair for engaging readers through bold commentary and vivid imagery. Her quote about Graham Greene and Eleyton Cusk reflects both on the nature of creative writing and the character of particular authors whose work is seen as emotionally distant yet artistically profound.