Truth Quotes in Everything Is Illuminated

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

How can you do this to your grandfather, writing about his life in such a manner? Could you write in this manner if he was alive? And if not, what does that signify? […] We are being very nomadic with the truth, yes? The both of us? […] Why do you write about Trachimbrod and your grandfather in the manner that you do, and why do you command me to be untruthful? (22.4)

Alex takes issue with Jonathan's brutally honest portrayal of his own grandfather. It's almost like Alex thinks it's being dishonest to write about certain things truthfully—like maybe there's a difference between "truth" and "honesty." Figure that one out.

Quote #8

Do not present not-truths to me. Not to me. (25.3)

By this point in their relationship Alex feels that he and Jonathan are BFF enough that they shouldn't be lying to each other. But is Jonathan lying to him? Or is he just finding a creative way of telling the truth?

Quote #9

We invented a story about an accident with sleeping pills. That is what we told to Little Igor so that he would never have to know. (29.19)

It's a little ironic that truther Alex makes up a lie to tell to his little brother. We understand why (the suicide of grandparent is difficult to process, you know?), and maybe this event will help Alex to understand that there are moments when honesty isn't the best policy.