In 1945 our parents went away and left us in the care of two men who may have been criminals.
-- Nathaniel ("A Table Full of Strangers")

Importance: This line of narration is the first sentence of the novel. It creates an air of intrigue and mystery that defines much of Nathaniel's teenage years. Moreover, this allusion to the parents' departure and the crime-oriented guardians draws the reader into the strange, off-kilter personal landscape of this period in Nathaniel's life.

As he continued speaking, my mother listened so carefully…I should have known then.
-- Nathaniel ("A Table Full of Strangers")

Importance: This line of narration potentially implies that Rose and Walter's friendship may have had a romantic dimension to it, at least at some point. Strangely, this appears to be the only implication in the novel towards this possible dynamic, thereby emphasizing a prevailing sense of mystery surrounding Rose's feelings towards others in general.

You must believe me, she isn't there with him.
-- The Moth ("Hell-Fire")

Importance: The Moth said...