Afra was different before the war...When she laughed, she laughed so hard the house would shake.
-- Nuri (narration) (chapter 1)

Importance: In this line of narration, Nuri describes Afra's personality before the war. Afra and Nuri both led happy and fulfilled lives. Nuri loved beekeeping, Afra loved painting, and they both loved their son. However, the outbreak of the war led to widespread violence and the death of their son. This event and others caused deep trauma for Nuri and Afra, thereby demonstrating the physical and psychological tolls of violence.

You’re waiting for a bomb to hit us.
-- Nuri (chapter 2)

Importance: After Sami's death, Afra becomes deeply despondent, to the point of even becoming suicidal. Afra expresses a desire to simply stay in Aleppo and wait for death rather than flee the country. Fortunately, Nuri persuades Afra to flee with him and to attempt to survive in spite of past traumas. These events illustrate the effects...