In "The Murder of Mary Russell" by Laurie R. King, the protagonist confronts a pivotal moment where she must make a difficult decision. Faced with emotional distress, the options of succumbing to tears or turning to alcohol are tempting, but ultimately, she opts for a more practical choice—potatoes. This decision symbolizes a grounding and pragmatic approach to life’s adversities. The quote emphasizes resilience in the face of hardship. Rather than indulging in grief or escapism through drinking, the character chooses sustenance and survival. By selecting potatoes, a humble food, she embraces a sense of normalcy and stability during turbulent times. This reflects a deeper theme of the book, highlighting the strength found in choosing practicality over despair.