My hand flew to my mouth. I could have talked to him one more time, heard the care in his voice, and yet I had squandered the chance. And all for some bitter coffee in a paper cup, hastily consumed before confronting a class of bored prep-school kids making their way through 'The Odyssey.
-- Nora (narration) ("Nora" (1))

Importance: This quote, from the first chapter of the novel, shows Nora's immediate emotional response upon hearing about her father's death. This scene sets the tone for most of the novel, which will primarily examine Driss' passing through the lens of Nora's perspective. Nora's grief becomes exacerbated throughout the novel, as she frequently runs into conflict with her mother, Maryam. Driss' personal availability on this phone call aligns with his personality of being emotionally open and available.

Do you think that maybe your faith has other things to worry about than my daughter's legs?
-- Driss ("Driss" (2))

Importance: This is...