A Handful of Stars

Salma Santiago, a 12-year-old Hispanic migrant worker, plays a significant role in the exploration of cultural diversity and identity within the narrative. Settling in Maine with her family for the blueberry harvest, Salma’s encounter with Lily and her dog, Lucky, becomes a driving force behind the novel’s exploration of the richness that differences bring to individuals and communities.

Resilient and determined, Salma’s physical attributes, notably her dark hair and brown skin, set her apart in a community where the predominant culture is different. The novel portrays instances where Salma’s foreignness is palpable, as she and other camp workers experience exclusion and a lack of engagement from those around them.

While showcasing her strengths, the narrative also acknowledges her vulnerabilities and moments of self-doubt. One significant aspect of Salma’s internal struggles revolves around her sense of belonging, with her transient life being identified as her most significant challenge. Salma’s constant movement, settling in different places for seasonal work, creates a unique set of obstacles for her, making it difficult to establish deep connections and a sense of belonging. The notion of home becomes elusive for her, contributing to her sense of displacement and uncertainty about her place within the communities she settles in temporarily.

Salma’s creativity emerges as a powerful coping mechanism, providing a means to navigate and escape the harsh realities she experiences. Despite challenging circumstances, she turns to art for self-expression and enters the beauty pageant in the local blueberry festival to showcase her talents and challenge stereotypes about migrant workers. Her talent serves as a bridge, connecting her to others and challenging stereotypes surrounding her cultural identity.

Pépère and Mémère, Lily’s grandparents, play significant roles in shaping the family dynamics within the narrative. Their personalities and interactions contribute to the complexity of the novel’s exploration of generational differences and familial bonds.

Pépère emerges as a source of wisdom and guidance throughout the story. His character is depicted as one who consistently offers words of advice and reflects a calm and understanding demeanor. His approach to life is rooted in pragmatism and a desire for the well-being of his loved ones. Pépère’s steady presence serves as a stabilizing force within the family, providing Lily with a sense of security and assurance.

By contrast, Mémère presents a more complex and emotionally charged persona, “practical to a fault” (21). Unlike Pépère, she is portrayed as colder and less inclined to provide the typical maternal care that Lily longs for. Mémère’s character is deeply affected by the tragic death of her daughter, Danielle, and this loss casts a shadow over her interactions with Lily. The grief and pain Mémère experiences contribute to her distant and sometimes resentful demeanor, particularly toward Lucky, the dog.

As Lily’s connection with Lucky deepens and the family is faced with the decision to adopt another dog, Pépère, advocating for Lily’s happiness and understanding the importance of companionship, aids in the family’s reconciliation. Pépère’s compassion and Mémère’s lingering grief come to the forefront, and the acknowledgment of their differing viewpoints becomes crucial in allowing them to confront the pain of the past and forge a path toward a shared understanding. Mémère, in turn, begins to recognize the importance of letting go and adapting to new circumstances for the sake of family harmony.

Lucky, a “blind, old, black Labrador retriever” (1), holds a special place in Lily’s heart as a cherished companion and a connection to her late mother, Danielle. Danielle’s dog, Lucky, becomes a tangible link to the past, serving as a last connection to Lily’s familial roots. The dog’s role in the story goes beyond being a companion; he becomes a symbol of continuity, providing a sense of comfort and stability in the face of loss and change.

Lily’s initial description of him as a dog who “can sense things people can’t” (5) sets the tone for Lucky’s symbolic importance in the narrative. Despite his blindness, Lucky possesses an intuitive awareness that goes beyond the physical, suggesting a deeper connection to the world around him. Lily’s observation, “What you look like doesn’t matter to Lucky. He sees you with his heart” (161), encapsulates the essence of Lucky’s character. This idea reinforces the notion that Lucky’s perception extends beyond physical appearances, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections and inner qualities. This perspective aligns with the broader theme of embracing differences and finding value beyond surface-level attributes.

Lily’s decision regarding Lucky’s cataract surgery becomes a pivotal moment reflecting her understanding of adapting to circumstances and finding new ways to be happy. Lily’s initial inclination toward funding Lucky’s surgery is rooted in her desire to fix what seems broken. The cataract surgery becomes a metaphorical representation of attempting to restore what has been lost or impaired. However, as the narrative progresses, Lily grapples with the realization that sometimes acceptance and allowing things to be as they are might be the key to happiness. Pépère believes humans can learn from dogs since they “don’t keep looking backward at what they’ve lost or asking ‘why me?’ They just move on and find a new way to be happy again” (170) The decision not to proceed with Lucky’s surgery and instead opt for a companion dog reflects Lily’s maturity and acceptance of Lucky’s blindness as a part of his identity. This choice symbolizes Lily’s growing understanding of the importance of embracing change and adapting to new circumstances.

Hannah, Lily’s childhood best friend and the reigning blueberry queen, grapples with the dual facets of prestige and expectations tied to her title. The weight of upholding an image and meeting certain responsibilities creates a sense of obligation for Hannah, instilling in her the feeling that she must replicate her success.

As the narrative unfolds, the once close bond between Hannah and Lily undergoes a shift, primarily fueled by Hannah’s exploration of new interests, notably her crush on Brandon. This divergence introduces a natural distance, illustrating the inevitable changes that childhood friendships undergo as individuals forge their own identities and pursue distinct interests. The evolving dynamic becomes a catalyst for both characters to confront individual growth and shifting priorities.

Despite this transformation, Hannah’s acceptance of Salma, a newcomer and foreigner in the community, reflects her open-mindedness and willingness to embrace diversity. However, when Hannah mentions lending her dress to Salma on stage, a layer of ambiguity is introduced. This prompts Lily to question whether the act of generosity stems from genuine altruism or if there might be a subtle undercurrent of self-serving motivation.