Yes, in those days, I was as happy and carefree as a bird. But the world was changing.
-- Grandmere (Part 1, Chapter 1)

Importance: This quotation describes Sara's childhood and includes the bird metaphor, which recurs throughout the book. It also foretells the impending changes in Sara's life.

There was no time for goodbyes.
-- Narrator (Part 1, Chapter 6)

Importance: In this understatement, Sara describes the experiences of the Jewish children who had to run into the woods to hide from the incoming Nazis. The Jewish children did not have time to say goodbye to their families, friends, or teachers. They were in an emergency. They urgently had to flee for their lives. The quote highlights how the Nazis severed relationships.

They brought me soup and dry clothes. And warm words.
-- Narrator (Part 1, Chapter 10)

Importance: In this quotation, Sara shows that she values something intangible: kind, loving words. Perhaps it implies that she is becoming less materialistic. It also shows the importance of kindness, expressed in...