“She is only a young woman who did not want to become a nun. The world is full of them.”

“There are things that a woman sings, and only a woman knows the full meaning. You may sing for men as well as for women, but only a woman knows your full meaning. I am not a feminista. I only think a woman should be true to who she believes herself to be. Or who she wants herself to be. Or who she imagines herself to be. I don't know what I mean, or whether I'm true myself to any of that. I don't think there are many of us who are true to our possibilities. ”

“She did not want Fairyland to be full of older girls who wanted to be stars.”

“The world is full of people who will go their whole lives and not actually live one day. She did not intend on being one of them.”

“I am becoming the woman I've wanted,grey at the temples,soft body, delighted,cracked up by lifewith a laugh that's known bitterbut, past it, got better,knows she's a survivor--that whatever comes,she can outlast it.I am becoming a deepweathered basket.I am becoming the woman I've longed for,the motherly loverwith arms strong and tender,the growing up daughterwho blushes surprises.I am becoming full moonsand sunrises.I find her becoming,this woman I've wanted,who knows she'll encompass,who knows she's sufficient,knows where she's goingand travels with passion.Who remembers she's precious,but knows she's not scarce--who knows she is plenty,plenty to share.”

“You think she needs a chaperone?” When they didn’t answer, the nun tutted disapprovingly. “Let me explain something to you, Mrs. Attaviano, and I hope your daughter is listening, though I cannot be sure. Morally speaking, the only chaperone a young girl of good character requires is her own sense of decency and pride. She who possesses these qualities doesn’t need a chaperone – ever. She who lacks them...” The nun laughed lightly. “Argus himself couldn’t chaperone her.”