Swing Time: A Novel

We were all, at one and the same time, people she knew and loved but also objects of study,

to, as if the very word “baby” was a kind of accelerant.

I saw a new idea painted on her face like fresh lipstick.

crazed buoyancy

Did all friendships—all relations—involve this discreet and mysterious exchange of qualities, this exchange of power? Did it extend to peoples and nations or was it a thing that happened only between individuals?

one among many, which might be easily corrected if only people would bring to the problem the focus she brought to everything.

formality or fear fell away,

What do we want from our mothers when we are children? Complete submission.

parental euphemism