Love is a condition suffered by fools,’ her mother said at last, under her breath bitterly, but Ona caught the words, and they stayed with her, whether her mother meant them to or not.
-- Narrator (The Inheritance)

Importance: Mom’s philosophy on love stays with Fiona for the rest of her life. Fiona finds herself playing the role of the fool in her romantic relationships, often falling for men who manipulate her. Ho explores how parents’ traumas in romantic relationships are passed onto their children through both her protagonists’ journeys.

The three of us used to be in love with one another. We were so innocent—its own kind of power—before you got to be so scared of things, labeled it growing up. We thought we knew it all, didn’t we?
-- Jane (Korean Boys I've Loved)

Importance: The platonic love shared by Won, Jane, and Fiona gets them through their rough childhoods. In hindsight, these days appear blissful...