It gives us a privileged view, as if we are with you in your chapel or writing closet: a way of looking that pierces the fog of misrepresentation, but allows us to see you with respect and in the light of the mercy we all need. Face to face, we can’t deny your flawed humanity. And if we admit to yours, why not ours?

Hilary Mantel, A Memoir of My Former Self-…, loc. 1149