Why had she felt anguish rather than joy?
-- Narrator (Pages 3 - 50)

Importance: Gilles Principaux's reappearance in Maître Susane's life acts as the narrative's inciting event. As soon as Maître sees Gilles again, she is yanked into the past. Her inability to resolve her emotional regard for Gilles becomes one of the novel's central conflicts and mysteries, and propels the narrative from beginning to end. This moment also introduces the novel's thematic interests in exploring the slippery nature of memory, the psychological impacts of trauma, and the relativity of truth.

She loved them so! And how it hurt to love them, sometimes!
-- Narrator (Pages 3 - 50)

Importance: Maître Susane's fraught regard for her parents complicates her understanding of love and trust. Although Maître is attached to Madame and Monsieur Susane, she often longs to be free of them. Her love feels entrapping rather than empowering, causing her to cut off contact as a way to make...