How we cite our quotes: (Page.Paragraph)
Quote #4
When have times ever been normal for Jews? (133.6)
Jewish history is full of turmoil and persecution, and this book will certainly not let that be overlooked. When Asher is told that it's not a good time for the Jews, he wonders this about his people's past.
Quote #5
Asher Lev, sometimes I find your presence a little—upsetting. You carry with you too much of my own past. (260.1)
Jacob Kahn says this to Asher for two very important reasons: 1) Asher's present is a reflection of Jacob Kahn's own past, since Asher is an artistic prodigy coming into his own, and 2) Asher and Jacob Kahn share a history and culture that they feel at virtually every point in time, like a mosquito bite that just never goes away. We're itchy just thinking about it.
Quote #6
Away from my world, alone in an apartment that offered me neither memories nor roots, I began to find old and distant memories of my own, long buried by pain and time and slowly brought to the surface now by the sight of waiting white canvases and by the winter emptiness of the small Parisian street. (322.4)
Given time to reflect in Paris, Asher begins to think about his own past and the past of the Jewish people. Residual feelings of doubt and guilt rise to the surface and inspire him to paint new and innovative masterpieces.