Sometimes it’s okay to find something beautiful without correctly understanding it.”
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: This quote encapsulates one of the main morals of the novel: that it is okay to love or appreciate someone or something even if it is strange or foreign to oneself. We see this emulated by several relationships between characters throughout the book, such as Carlos and Cecil’s, as well as Nilanjana and Darryl’s. While someone like Nilanjana may not be able to fully understand the beliefs or motivations of someone like Darryl because of their ideological differences, that does not exclude them from caring for them and appreciating them.

I don’t need to be happy when I’m fine.”
-- Nilanjana (chapter 2)

Importance: This quote from Nilanjana is significant in terms of her character development because it tells the reader early on that she does not consider herself to lead a fulfilling life. While she finds meaning in...