Each of us shapes our stories so they make sense of who we think we are.
-- Julia as Narrator (Part 1 paragraph 2)

Importance: This line reveals Julia's interest in stories within the first few pages of the novel. She is retelling Cassie's story in order to better understand what happened, and also to better understand herself. Here, she is saying that her story will be shaped in a way that will help her know herself better. The story may not be entirely true to reality, but it will form a personal truth for Julia.

That's how he was, Anders Shute: the whole way along, from that first encounter, he made out like the ball was in Cassie's court: if she did the right thing, all would be well. And if she didn't -- well, then."
-- Julia as Narrator (Part 1 paragraph 3)

Importance: In the first meeting with Anders Shute the reader already knows that he will bring trouble to Cassie. The ambiguous end phrase...