In the quote from Hilary Mantel's "Eight Months On Ghazzah Street," the author contrasts real life with the straightforward nature of detective stories. Unlike the neat resolutions found in fiction, life offers a broader range of meanings and interpretations. The pursuit of answers to life's complex questions is a deeply personal journey, rather than a search for factual evidence.

Mantel emphasizes that the true understanding of our dilemmas lies not in external facts, but within ourselves. Our emotions, habits, limitations, and fears shape our responses and perceptions. This insight encourages introspection, suggesting that the key to understanding lies in self-reflection rather than mere accumulation of information.