What is the difference in meaning between the following sentences?

For UK English speakers, there is a difference, a subtle one.

In version 1 the meaning is clearer. It was the author who stated "life is short" rather than these being the last words in the story.

In version 2 the meaning is ambiguous. Here it is not 100% clear whether the author was saying "life is short" or whether these are the last words in the author's story.

I would highly recommend the eventually best book on English prepositions: Seth Lindstromberg - English Prepositions Explained