(about visiting China for the first time) MHK: I did feel that I was going back to a place that I had never been. (1986) - Maxine Hong Kingston

In the whole dark universe, I've met you at this bit of fire, and we speak with each other, and listen to each other. All of life and the war led up to this present time of being here with you. (p209)

No husband of mine will say, "I could have been a drummer, but I had to think about the wife and kids. You know how it is." Nobody supports me at the expense of his own adventure. (p48)

If a woman is going to write a Book of Peace, it is given her to know devastation. ("Fire" opening line)