Quotes
“Mother tells me, they tease you because they adore you.”
In this quote, Thanhha Lai portrays the complexity of relationships. Ha's mother suggests teasing stems from affection, reframing Ha's perspective on bullying. This insight challenges Ha to view teasing with empathy. It highlights the theme of resilience as Ha learns to navigate social dynamics with understanding.
“Whoever invented English should have learned to spell.”
Thanhha Lai's playful critique suggests that those who created the language should have mastered its spelling rules first. The quote reveals a common sentiment among learners and native speakers alike, highlighting the language's complexities and the challenges they pose. In its simplicity, this quote effectively communicates the exasperation felt by many when struggling with English orthography.
“My heart had been stuck in Saigon, but now I had planted it in Alabama.”
In the above quote, Ha recalls her emotional journey from Vietnam to America. At the outset of the novel, Ha's heart is metaphorically "stuck in Saigon," representing her deep attachment to her homeland and the sense of loss she feels upon leaving. Saigon symbolizes familiarity, tradition, and family ties for Ha. However, as she settles into life in Alabama, Ha transforms. She begins to form connections, adapt to her new surroundings, and cultivate a sense of belonging. The act of "planting" her heart in Alabama suggests a deliberate effort to establish roots and invest emotionally in her new home. This quote also speaks to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit and the theme of home as a fluid concept. While Saigon remains a significant part of Ha's identity, she comes to recognize Alabama as her new home.
