How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The women tiptoed onto the deck as if they were treading landmined sands. For nine days they had been hiding in the backup engine room of this oil tanker fit for hauling two million barrels of light sweet crude and, this time around, thirty-four refugees. Each woman's passage cost twenty-five hundred dollars. (2.3)
Our first description of Fatima and her fellow refugees makes them out to be timid women. Boy, is that not doing them justice. These women might be out of their comfort zones, but they are willful, smart, and hard-workers. Nothing like the way people expect Fatima to be.
Quote #2
"Lovely headdress. What's that like, being Islamic?"
"I am not Muslim."
"You're not Christian."
"No."
"Then daggit, what are y'all?"
"I am human."
NaNa thought about that. "I guess that's all right. What's the scarf for?" (10.11-17)
Fatima's response to NaNa's question shows her honesty and courtesy. She's clearly being asked what religion she is, but instead of going down that road, she simply says she's human. It's a good reminder since so many people in the book treat her like she's different, forgetting that when all is said and done, she's part of the same species.
Quote #3
These Americans were wonderful people. She was hesitant at first to answer their questions, to accept Mik's invitation. But now she was glad she came. Back in the camps she told herself she would be fine on her own, but now she knew she had been lying to herself. She missed her sister. (10.13)
This time, we hear from Fatima's perspective. Even though Americans seem to despise her and hunt her down, she loves them and their country. It shows us that prejudice doesn't work both ways—it's chosen.