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Taste Quote by Alice McDermott

“He leaned toward her, slowly raising his hand to his hat and then doffing it quickly, as if taken by surprise, when she leaned forward to meet him. And this, she thought, of course, was what the whole evening had been for, the delightful feel of his rough cheek against her fingertips, his hands…” quote by Alice McDermott
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““He leaned toward her, slowly raising his hand to his hat and then doffing it quickly, as if taken by surprise, when she leaned forward to meet him. And this, she thought, of course, was what the whole evening had been for, the delightful feel of his rough cheek against her fingertips, his hands and lips and warm breath. The lingering taste of coffee in his mouth. Something””

Alice McDermott

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Lost Daughter, Alice McDermott, 2008

A fleeting, intimate encounter awakens longing and sensory memory, highlighting how small gestures can carry deep emotional weight.

In simple terms: A brief touch sparks strong feelings.

Key Takeaway

Notice how tiny moments shape emotions.

Themes

romance sensory detail memory longing

Mood

nostalgic intimate

Type

literary romantic

When to use this quote

  • first dates
  • quiet cafés
  • unexpected reunions

Key Concepts

intimacy embodied experience temporal perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • What small gesture has lingered in your memory?
  • How do sensory details deepen connection?
A Different Perspective

The scene may idealize romance, ignoring deeper relational complexities.

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