I want to keep my writing here honest, close to the bone.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: At the start of the novel, Oliver introduces his reasons for penning his first person account. Although he is guilty of killing his colleague Ruhaba, Oliver has escaped blame. In spite of successfully pinning the crime on Ruhaba's nephew Adil, he is plagued by guilt. Like the proverbial criminal, Oliver is thus compelled into confession. However, Oliver's insistence upon his own honesty and devotion to the truth belie his real intentions and motivations.

Was this a Muslim thing?
-- Narrator (chapter 2)

Importance: As the narrative unfolds, Oliver proves himself to be increasingly bigoted and prejudicial. Although his external actions suggest that he is empathetic and understanding, his internal monologue throughout the novel reveals otherwise. In this scene from the start of the novel, Oliver is interacting with Adil for the first time. The ways in which he silently judges Adil's behavior and...