Well, that's how thick I am, I never knew how to want what everyone wants. I only thought to look for a home, some place to be taken in. Handing over a crumpled heart, seeing it dropped in the wastepaper basket every time. Here, though. Americans sent love letters in return.
In the quote from Barbara Kingsolver's novel "The Lacuna," the speaker reflects on their struggle to understand their own desires in comparison to societal expectations. They express a sense of bewilderment at their inability to grasp what others seem to naturally want, highlighting a longing for belonging and acceptance. The imagery of a "crumpled heart" being discarded suggests a history of unreciprocated feelings and loneliness.
However, the contrast comes when the speaker experiences a newfound sense of connection, as they receive love letters from Americans. This signifies a shift from isolation to being seen and valued, transforming their understanding of relationships and emotional fulfillment. It marks a turning point where the individual begins to find a place where they are welcomed and loved, fulfilling their deep desire for a home.
