Zoë Heller: What disappointment has stayed with you longest?

The question

Originally asked

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Zoë Heller

English journalist and novelist

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Failing CSE Physics. Twice.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 November 2008 source ↗

Others on this question

Grace Coddington Welsh former model and creative director

That one doesn’t stay agile all your life.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 September 2015 source ↗

Rory Bremner Scottish comedian

Losing out to Nancy Dell'Olio in round three of Strictly.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 March 2014 source ↗

Donna Tartt American novelist and writer

I was very disappointed when I realised I was never going to be an Olympic gymnast, but that was a long time ago.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 October 2013 source ↗

At university in the 60s, I thought social justice was going to improve exponentially. How wrong I was.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 February 2026 source ↗

Sending off the final draft of my latest novel.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 November 2008 source ↗

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