“My cruel fate hath warr'd with me in vainLife, glory, worth, and all unmeasur'd skillBeauty and grace, themselves in me fulfillThat many I surpass, and to the best attain.”

“Withersoever the wheel of Fortune turns, Virtue stands firm upon her feet.”

“Biddanoa cominciava con un sospiro. Era il sospiro di chi, sceso dal treno nella calura del mezzogiorno, lasciata alle spalle la stazione dopo aver percorso un breve viottolo, vedeva da lontano Biddanoa, in alto sopra un monte, e la ripida salita che avrebbe dovuto percorrere per arrivarvi. Le case, da quella distanza, sembravano allegre, sorridenti, con quel bianco intorno alle porte e alle finestre come uno sguardo canzonatorio gettato al malcapitato che stava sudando nell'ultimo tratto della salita che finiva in Cuccuru 'e Callia, l'ingresso del paese.”

“Un hombre se vuelve viejo cuando los lamentos ocupan el lugar de los sueños.”

“Don’t cry for me, Grace. I’m not worth it. (Julian)Yes you are! (Grace)You are my saving Grace. Without you, I would never have known love. And I would never have known me again. (Julian)”

“The source of all glory is acceptance of whatsoever the Lord hath bestowed, and contentment with that which God hath ordained.”

“Many, many readers have written asking me wistfully about the nature of Sam and Grace's relationship, and I can assure you, that sort is absolutely real. Mutual, respectful, enduring love is completely attainable as long as you swear you won't settle for less.”