I’d had rather a cheerful day so far despite the Luftwaffe annoying everyone by making us all late for work”
-- Emmy (chapter 1)

Importance: This dismissive line turns a life-threatening situation into a matter of minor convenience. From the opening of the novel, Emmy develops a casual, lighthearted tone that underplays significant events for comedic effect, but also as a way of hiding from serious problems. The Luftwaffe refers to the German air force during the second world war, and in particular the Blitz, when bombers would attack civilian targets, including in London where the novel takes place. In part, Emmy mimics the propaganda of the time that urged citizens to live their lives as normal. The nonchalant statement also reveals Emmy’s skill at ignoring the danger.

My mother always said that a lot men think that having bosoms means you’re a nitwit. She said the cleverest thing is to let...
-- Emmy (chapter 2)