They had paid for her education at Zamana’s finest schools.” (10).
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: This quotation references the fact that Nargis and Massud have paid for Helen's education, despite the fact that Helen is merely the daughter of their housekeeper. This fact illuminates the idea that Nargis and Massud are close with Helen and her family, and they even view Helen as a type of surrogate daughter.

Christians have black blood” (23).
-- Assailant (chapter 2)

Importance: A nameless assailant says this to Helen as he approaches her with a knife. This statement and this incident both serve to establish and develop a prevalent dynamic as portrayed in the novel: Muslims viewing Christians as evil and subhuman.

He was a journalist and was found dead by the roadside. Tortured to death soon after he began investigating a story about the military-intelligence agency.
-- Nargis (chapter 3)

Importance: Nargis makes this statement about Massud's brother. Massud's brother was implicitly killed by the military about 20 years...