I am not unhappy.
-- Narrator: Sally (Pages 1 - 52)

Importance: In Sally's opening section of the novel, she describes her life at the high house with Caro and Pauly in the narrative present. Although the three are still isolated from the rest of society and have little hope of establishing contact with a community beyond their insular home life, Sally admits that she is content. The line introduces the importance of Sally's relationships with Caro and Pauly amidst suffering, pain, and loss. Happiness, the author is suggesting in this moment, is attainable via one's relationships.

It's hard to be a child in isolation.
-- Narrator: Caro (Pages 1 - 52)

Importance: After Caro's father began a relationship with Francesca, Caro could not help feeling lonely. Because of her stepmother's and father's work and romance, Caro was excluded. Therefore, after Pauly's birth, she was thankful for a purpose and a companion. The moment introduces the significance of Caro's and Pauly's connection and foreshadows the ways...