Sometimes a sanctuary, sometimes a prison, that house on the hill has always been my home.
-- Christina (Prologue)

Importance: This quotation serves to establish the complicated dynamic that Christina has with regards to her home. This dynamic suffuses all events of the book. Christina often finds beauty and fulfillment in her home, but she sometimes feels trapped by her inability to ever truly get away from it. Because Christina is unable to ever move away from her original home, she must learn to find beauty and fulfillment in her life rather than anguish.

We all have our burdens to bear. You know what yours is, now. That’s good. You’ll never be surprised by it.
-- Mamey (The Stranger at the Door)

Importance: Christina’s grandmother says this to a young Christina with regards to Christina’s infirmity. Christina is originally devastated by the impairments brought on by her illness, but her grandmother’s words allow Christina to recontextualize her...