The time and place are the only things I am certain of: March 2, 1908, Chicago. Beyond that is the haze of history and pain, and now I plunge:
-- Brik (Section 1)

Importance: From the very start of the novel, Brik explains to readers that what he is about to recount is very vague, and largely unknown due to the passage of time. Only a few facts are known for sure, including the date (March 2, 1908) and the place (Chicago). What history may have written off as a simple murder, Brik believes to be otherwise. Brik’s quest for the truth about the murder and the supposed murderer will form the core of the novel.

The trees here are watered by our blood, Isador would say, the streets paved with our bones; they eat our children for breakfast, then dump the leftovers in the garbage.
-- Brik (Section 1)

Importance: As Lazarus wanders around the streets of the upscale neighborhoods awaiting to...