The River Between Us Versions of Reality Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

Mama feared that people were commencing to talk about Cass. She never told her visions outside the family. She said little or nothing in company. But people could see her up here, perched on the Devil's Backbone. Before the trees greened, they could see her plain, staring out at the river like a soul in torment. They called her moony. Mama feared they'd one day call her mad. (2.27)

In fairness, there's not a lot to do in Grand Tower, so we're not sure why people think it's weird that Cass takes in the scenery a good bit.

Quote #2

I went cold to my core. All her visions looked back, sometimes to ages past. Now she'd whipped around and was looking ahead. And that was the April when we all feared the future. It was the spring of 1861, when all the news was bad, promising worse. (2.36)

Every society needs its Oracle, but it can't be comfortable to live with one.

Quote #3

"She is droll, that one," Delphine said.

"She sees things that ain't there."

"She has visions?" Delphine was interested at once. "She is a seeress?"

"I don't know about that," I said. "Mama's worried to death Cass will lose her mind."

"But it is a gift she has!" Delphine exclaimed.

"Not in these parts," I said, wondering what I'd blurt out next. (5.47-52)

Delphine and Tilly definitely have different takes on how much of a gift those visions and prophecies are. Here, it seems like location factors into this a bit—where Cass lives, there isn't room for her visions.