The first time Juan Ruiz proposes, I’m eleven years old.
-- Ana (narration) (Part I)

Importance: This line of narration is the first sentence of the novel. This bluntly worded statement helps to set the tone of some of the harsh challenges that Ana faces. While she is fortunately not forced to marry at 11 years old, she is forced to marry at the extremely young age of 15 years. Her youth and inexperience unfortunately add to the pain of her experiences.

Trujillo didn’t go in peace. La Capital is in chaos.
-- Ana (narration) (Part I)

Importance: This line of narration helps to establish the novel's examinations of relevant political dynamics. One of the main reasons that Ana's family wishes to emigrate from the Dominican Republic is because the country has begun to become politically unstable. Political changes involving the United States and/or the Dominican Republic are relevant throughout the novel.

In New York I’ll have a closet full...
-- Ana (narration) (Part I)