All that I will tell you is true, but I have no idea what true is.”
-- Kevin (Pages 1-25)

Importance: This quote, located at the beginning of the novel, establishes both the story’s tone and its central theme of secrecy. Kevin’s uncertainty over what truth really is exemplifies the self-doubt and desire for secrecy which permeates his interactions with his family members and his inner dialogue. While Kevin’s language frequently appears self-deprecating and humorous, it conceals a deeper tonal thread of emotional confusion. He frequently references his uncertainty over the best course of action in various moral dilemmas throughout the novel, and even his language – which includes long, introspective monologues – demonstrates his tendency to doubt himself. The quote is related to the novel’s core theme, the role of secrecy and deception in marriage. For the entirety of his marriage, Kevin has deceived Linda and withheld information from her, to the...