She had two others but sometimes they hardly seemed to count.
-- Narrator (chapter 2 paragraph 1)

Importance: Here, the author is speaking of Sylvie, Teddy's mother. It is important for the reader to note that Teddy is regarded as somewhat of a special child, in that his mother seems to care most for him out of all three of her sons. Teddy's being regarded as special is important for the rest of the novel, since he is the main subject. The statement also gives the readers a clue as to Sylvie and Teddy's relationship, as well as the firm foundation of love and support from which Teddy originates.

She hesitated again, balancing what she was about to be given against what she was about to give away.
-- Narrator (chapter 2 paragraph 1)

Importance: The author is again speaking of Sylvie. Though Teddy is the main character of the novel, it is clear by how much of Sylvie is explained that she is...