- Nels Gudmundsson: It takes a rare thing, a turning point, to free oneself from any obsession. Be it prejudice or hate, or, even love.
- Nels Gudmundsson: Accident rules every corner of the universe... except perhaps the chambers of the human heart.
- [NB these are the last words in the novel]
- Ishmael Chambers: I know you'll think this is crazy, but all I want to do is hold you, and I think that if you'll let me do that just for a few seconds, I can walk away, and never speak to you again.
- Judge Fielding: That's quite enough horseplay, Nels. Try and act your age.
- Nels Gudmundsson: I think if I did that, Your Honor, I'd be dead.
- [laughter from the chamber]
- Young Hatsue Imada: [snuggling] Do you think this is wrong?
- Young Ishmael Chambers: Your friends would. Your dad would kill me.
- Young Hatsue Imada: My mom is the problem.
- Fujiko Imada: [remembering her mother's voice] Stay away from white boys. Marry one of your own kind, whose heart is strong and gentle.