“I knew the legends of the birds. Seagulls were the souls of dead soldiers. Owls were the souls of women. Doves were the recently departed souls of unmarried girls.Was there a bird for the souls of people like me?”

“Well, I don't know, Lina. But let's just say I've met a lot of dead people.”

“The soldier stared at Ingrid. His silence was elastic, slowly curling a rope around her neck.”

“...we're dealing with two devils who both want to rule hell.”

“Revolting. If women were so careless to become pregnant at such a time, let women sort it out.”

“How foolish to believe we are more powerful than the sea or the sky.”

“I didn't need his criticism. I carried enough guilt on my own. I had done everything wrong. I had the highest marks in school but couldn't master common sense.”

“We cannot be too cautious, Hannelore. Just because someone knocks on the door doesn't mean you have to open it. Sometimes, sweet girl, there are wolves at the door. If we are not careful, they might eat us.”

“My arm began moving, turning the invisible crank of Death's music box. Somewhere inside, I didn't want the melody to end.”

“But unlike Mama, I would not go to heaven. My secrets padlocked the gates. I'd be a torn kite stuck in the dead branches of a tree, unable to fly.”

“New Orleans is unlike any city in America. Its cultural diversity is woven into the food, the music, the architecture - even the local superstitions. It's a sensory experience on all levels and there's a story lurking around every corner.”