How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"I look forward to getting to this village. Ah, I will give my mother a very tight hug." Alhaji smiled and then continued. "She always complains, though, when I give her a tight hug: 'If you love me, stop squeezing my old bones so I can be alive longer.' She is funny."
We giggled.
"I have a feeling that we will find our families, or at least news of them." Kanei stretched his hands as if trying to catch the sun. He looked at Alhaji, who was smiling uncontrollably. "I heard you have a beautiful sister. I am still just your friend, right?" We all started laughing. (11.1-3)
All the boys are cheered up by the thought that their families are nearby. Even though being with their parents and siblings doesn't change the reality that they're living in, being with the people they love will make their burden way, way lighter.
Quote #5
"Your parents and brothers will be happy to see you. They have been talking about you every day and praying for your safety. Your mother cries every day, begging the gods and ancestors to return you to her. Your older brother left to look for you, but he returned about a week ago. His face was sad when he returned. I think he blames himself for losing you." (11.21)
This is what Gasemu tells Ishmael as he approaches the village where his family is. It's a bittersweet moment in retrospect because it confirms Ishmael's hope—his family is so, so close by—and smashes them in the next moment when the village is attacked. Ishmael never does find out what happens to his family and he never has any hopes of seeing them again. This passage really drives home the pain families feel when they're separated.
Quote #6
My squad was my family, my gun was my provider and protector, and my rule was to kill or be killed. The extent of my thoughts didn't go much beyond that. We had been fighting for over two years, and killing had become a daily activity. I felt no pity for anyone. (15.1)
With his family totally gone, Ishmael turns to whatever group he can find to form a new "family." In this case, his fellow soldiers end up becoming like family to him. You know, like if you had family that carried guns, did drugs all day, and shot people. Dinnertime must be a disaster—you sure don't want to have an argument about politics with an armed family member.