I needed to get out of this, I thought. I didn't know what this was.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: At the start of the novel, Sean finds himself in circumstances that threaten to entrap him for the foreseeable future. Although Sean is capable of recognizing his frustration and immobility, he feels incapable of extricating himself from his circumstances. He does not feel that he can leave Belfast. He cannot afford his own place to live. He struggles to maintain a stable job. He does not feel capable of removing himself from his friend group. Therefore, at this early juncture of the novel, although Sean is aware of his entrapment, he is reluctant to name and thus to wrestle with it.

I had a lot of thoughts back then and I took them very seriously.
-- Narrator (chapter 3)

Importance: After Sean leaves the police station, he wanders around downtown. Observing his surroundings suddenly grants Sean access to another version...