She has been sent to Earth to take notes on human beings.
-- Narrator (Part 1)

Importance: Adina's belief that she is an alien acts as the primary source of narrative conflict, tension, and propulsion. Adina adopts this notion as her purpose in life, and therefore defines herself according to her alleged intergalactic origins and extraterrestrial mission. Throughout the novel, this facet of Adina's character and experience infuses the narrative with mystery and acts as an extended metaphor for Adina's alienation.

She doesn't understand why she always has to be removed in order for her mother to breathe.
-- Narrator (Part 1)

Importance: Adina's childhood home life augments her loneliness and longing for acceptance. Although Térèse loves Adina, Adina often feels dismissed, overlooked, or forgotten by her. She wishes that Térèse would spend more concerted time with her, show her more affection, and relate to her with more intention. In this passage, she feels particularly resentful...