At least [Jimmy] had actually used Uncle Pang’s connections. Without them, the Georgetown owner of that tapas chain would have never accepted his bid to buy out her lease on the waterfront.
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: This line of narration helps to establish the role of Uncle Pang in the story. Pang has no familial relationship to any of the characters, but he has much influence in the city. He helped Bobby open the Duck House, and now Jimmy wants Pang to help him open a new restaurant. Throughout the novel, people ask Pang for favors and become beholden to him, which is a problem since Pang is ultimately a dangerous and immoral figure.

Love came slowly, as weaknesses in the body often do.
-- Narration (chapter 2)

Importance: This line of narration refers to the relationship between Nan and Jack. Early in the novel, it becomes clear that the relationship between these characters is one of repressed...