How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
We made a point of never mentioning him, fearing, I suppose, that his life hung by a thread and that any expression of uncertainty on our part would condemn him to death. (3.17)
In the beginning of the novel, Vahan and his family treat the bad stuff that's happening like isolated incidents. Too bad they can't see everything else that's going on and add it all up. They try to contain the situation—and their emotions—by not talking about it… or thinking about it.
Quote #2
The problem was, I did not want to be smart. The problem was, I had spent the last seven days in a closet and I could not stay in this house a moment longer. The problem was, I was more afraid of being alone, or never seeing Sisak again, than I was of all the soldiers and gendarmes in Turkey. (13.10)
We feel for Vahan when he loses his brother, mostly because he's all alone and doesn't know what to do next. He's got to fend for himself for the first time in his life, and he's not really sure how to do that.
Quote #3
I was not lonely because he visited me in the stable two or three times a week. I wanted to see his point of view, I wanted to see the world through the eyes of my protector. (18.34)
Of all the people to provide Vahan with companionship, who would have thought it would be Selim Bey, butcher of the Armenians? Vahan definitely feels guilty about this, but he'd be lying if he didn't also admit he likes the visits from the governor because it gives him someone to talk to.