“We know life is finite. Why should we believe death lasts forever?”
This quote appears early in the novel during a reflective moment on the battlefield in 1917. John lies wounded and immobilized as his mind drifts between memories and philosophical thoughts about life and death. The context of war, where death is omnipresent, drives John's ruminations on mortality. Moreover, the quote reflects his search for meaning in a world turned chaotic by conflict. As he hovers between life and death, this thought suggests a rejection of the idea that death is an end. Instead, John hints at the possibility of continuity whether through memory, love, or spiritual existence. This moment encapsulates the novel’s exploration of how trauma leads people to challenge conventional beliefs.
"He would understand, later, that there is a moment when your life must become your own; you must claim it from all the other stories you’ve been given, that have been handed down or thrust upon you, or that you’ve been left holding while someone else claimed theirs."
This thought comes during John's post-war life in North Yorkshire, where he is struggling to reintegrate into civilian life. As he tries to rebuild his relationship with Helena and reopens his photography studio, John is haunted by the weight of his wartime experiences and the stories of others he carries. This quote marks a turning point in his internal journey. John realizes that to move forward, he must separate himself from the narratives—whether of war, family, or history—that have shaped him. He has to take control of his own story by making choices that reflect his true self, rather than living according to what others expect or assume. This realization is crucial as it allows him to reclaim his agency and redefine his future.
“John was always surprised, he never stopped being astonished, at how little there was of her.”
This quote is part of John's reflections on his relationship with Helena, particularly during an intimate moment when they are together after the war. John marvels at Helena’s small physical stature yet it contrasts with her immense emotional presence in his life. Despite her seeming fragility, Helena is central to John’s sense of stability and belonging. Her presence is powerful enough to anchor him as he struggles with the emotional aftermath of the war. This quote reflects John's deep love for Helena and highlights the novel's themes of how love and connection persist when faced with the losses and traumas of life. Helena, though physically small, represents something irreplaceable in John’s life.
