How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
If I turned right here I'd go up past my gallery—what was my gallery, now a vacant shop window—but I don't want to, because that still hurts a little. (2.46)
The past almost always hurts in this book. The characters would be much better off if they could focus on the future. You know, as if they were on something that only moved in one direction… something on a track going forward… there's some sort of vehicle just like this… it's on the tip of our tongue, but we can't think of it…
Quote #5
I feel certain that I was in an argument, or that I witnessed an argument. […] Every time I think I'm about to seize the moment, it drifts back into the shadow, just beyond my reach. (3.83)
The book is peppered with moments in which Rachel tries to recover lost memories. Trying to catch them is like trying to remember a dream (or a nightmare) shortly after waking.
Quote #6
I have a memory of ducking down to avoid a blow, raising my hands. Is that a real memory? (5.14)
Some of Rachel's memories don't feel real because her ex-husband, Tom, has been telling her lies about what happened. Rachel has to rationalize what she thinks happened with what Tom says happened, causing confusion.