Everywhere, women gathered in knots, huddled in groups on front porches, on sidewalks, even in the middle of the streets, telling each other that no news is good news, trying to comfort each other, trying to present a brave appearance.

That is the one unforgivable sin in any society. Be different and be damned!

Until you've lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was.

She was as forthright and simple as the winds that blew over Tara and the yellow river that wound around it.

I want peace. I want to see if somewhere there isn't something left in life of charm and grace.

The world can forgive practically anything except people who mind their own business.

All you have done is to be different from other women and you have made a little success of it. This is unforgivable sin in any society. The mere fact that you have succeed to run the mill is an insult to everyman who hasn't succeed.