This is the story of a bloodstained boy.
-- Narrator (Prologue paragraph 1)

Importance: The very first sentence of the very first chapter of the novel sets the stage for the entire plot. This first statement reveals that the novel is about a boy, who will be bloodstained and endure unspeakable hardships throughout his travels.

What was all this, he thought? He spectated himself, as if his body was a puppet. What is Sham up to? Sham wondered.
-- Narrator (Chapter 6 paragraph 33)

Importance: Sham, who is unhappy with his life aboard the mole train Medes, wonders what else is there beyond the railsea. He often feels disconnected, and sad, as though he were simply being controlled, or going through the motions, rather than actually living at all.

The secret of that line, that solitary line, leading, it seemed -& it still felt like curse words even to just think it! –out of the railsea.
-- Narrator (Chapter 17 paragraph 88)

Importance: After seeing a photo of the single...