The quote by Anatole France highlights the bittersweet nature of change. It points out that even when we desire transformation in our lives, there is often a sense of sadness associated with letting go of the past. The things we leave behind are integral parts of who we are, and moving on requires a sort of loss that can be hard to accept.

This reflection resonates throughout Robyn Carr's book "Any Day Now," as it follows characters navigating significant transitions in their lives. It emphasizes that embracing new beginnings often necessitates mourning aspects of our old selves, suggesting that growth comes from facing this complex emotional journey.