How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph), (Chapter.Figure)
Quote #7
[Four-Eyes] leans in and whispers fast. "You can get inside. Your dad works there. All I need is somebody to distract the guards. What do you say, Zaichik? I'd do it for you if your dad were locked up."
I pull my arm away so fast, he tumbles to the floor. (14.19-20)
Something's definitely getting to Sasha here. Remember that this comes right on the heels of Four-Eyes making a comment about Sasha's mom, the American, having been "arrested and shot" (14.13). Four-Eyes seems to have insight that Sasha lacks about what happens to some prisoners. He's also doubly disturbed when Four-Eyes unwittingly makes reference to Sasha's dad being locked up (dramatic irony, anyone?).
Quote #8
That's what we always do to the pictures of the enemies of the people, and it usually feels good, but not this time. (22.2)
The Grow Up Train is now several stops down the line, with Sasha unhappily going along for the ride. He is now realizing that if the system can be wrong about Finkelstein (he doesn't deserve to have his picture blacked out), then the system can be wrong about others, too. Some major cracks are starting to mar Sasha's belief system.
Quote #9
I drop into the chair Vovka brings. I guess my dad is not coming to the rally after all. Not coming after all. (23.17)
If you haven't already guessed it, this is a Major Turning Point for Sasha. He's no longer sugar-coating the situation for himself. After what he's heard from both Vovka and Finkelstein about how prisoners are treated, he's pretty sure his dad isn't coming back. He repeats this to himself for good measure, just to make sure he has the message loud and clear.