We are free.
-- Lev (chapter 2)

Importance: This is the first thing that Lev says to Gerta after the concentration camp is liberated by the British. Gerta does not believe him and thinks he must be delirious. This represents his hopefulness and her disillusionment, their two defining characteristics.

...I am ready to be pretty again, myself. Instead, my reflection is almost comical, with my sunken cheeks and bulging eyes, framed by this yellow-and-white halo. My teeth—God—huge, protruding from my Jaw.
-- Gerta (chapter 6)

Importance: This quotation is what Gerta thinks to herself after looking at her reflection in the mirror after the war ended. It shows how much Gerta had been effected by the war physically and emotionally.

We lived in music. We buttered our bread with it.
-- Gerta (chapter 6)

Importance: This quotation demonstrates how important music was to Gerta's family growing up. It was the most essential thing in their life.

My papa and I walk down the...
-- Gerta (chapter 7)