How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
We both knew that what I said was the truth, as well as being a lie. The pure and honest answer was pinging between us, hovering above the weeds. Neither of us reached to catch it. (15.58)
How can something be both truth and lie? Isn't that an oxymoron? Somehow, this is the perfect analogy for the book. Throughout, we feel like we're told a series of (secret) truths, only to find out that they are in fact lies. Yet we also question which parts of them might still be true somehow. Gah.
Quote #8
I reminded myself that he was safe—he was safe as could be. Finnigan had him, would never give him back, but at least he was safe. Finnigan had told me I'd regret it, but I didn't. There was peace in having nothing left to lose. That's what I knew: there was nothing left to lose. (21.55)
Phew. And here we thought Surrender was shot and about to get shot again. We're glad that he's safe… oh wait, except we later learn that he isn't and the dog is totally dead. The difference between reality and what we're told is reality is hard to determine in this book.
Quote #9
The percussion sent the chickens haywire. I felt the body slump at my feet. Specks of blood landed on me. I dropped the rifle and walked away. My knees and elbows creaked. Gravel was waterfalling from my pores, I left an arid river of it behind. (21.59)
Two different versions of Surrender are seen in the book: Gabriel claims his dog is safe with Finnigan… right before shooting him in the head.