How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
With no choice—it was his duty—he quickened his pace. But his footsteps seemed to bring the bodies to life. (2.8.82)
With time, cracks form on the surface of Leo's self-rationalization, like footsteps on a frozen river. He can no longer ignore the reality of the violence he's inflicted—the countless families that he has knowingly shattered.
Quote #5
Leo [...] knew the kind of officers they were: low-ranking, unthinkingly obedient, they'd follow whatever orders they'd been given. They'd be violent without hesitation. (3.15.1)
Unfortunately, Leo is the exception to the rule. Most agents in the MGB are like Vasili—utterly unconcerned about the ramifications of their actions. To be honest, they're not even driven by their allegiance to Soviet ideology—they'd just rather be the guys breaking ankles then the guys getting their ankles broken.
Quote #6
Unless every gesture and glance pleased him she'd be in mortal danger. (3.17.5)
If you think that shotgun weddings are crazy, then just wait until you get a load of this shotgun marriage. Unbeknownst to Leo, Raisa lives in constant fear of violence, with the slightest screw-up potentially leading to her undoing.