Instead her brain spins and churns like a washing machine, throwing up black thoughts like so much dirty laundry. Had she been too keen on Pete? Was she not cool enough? Was it because of her handwritten list of French art galleries, with their pros and cons (length of journey time versus possible size of queue?)?
-- Narrator (chapter 4 paragraph 1)

Importance: This quote reflects Nell’s deeply embedded insecurities and the chaos she is feeling upon being abandoned by Peter. Also noteworthy is the list of tourist attractions she makes while in England, an agenda she abandons on her second day in Paris when she decides to walk the city without any particular plan.

Seeing his words out there, his innermost thoughts exposed to view, made him feel as if he were standing in the street stark naked.”
-- Narrator (chapter 5 paragraph 1)

Importance: Fabien’s insecurity about his writing is ironic, as he dreams of being a published author, but...