Esther tells Francisco, “I guess when we move to a new place, we become other people” (119). How does the novel explore conceptions of identity? How do different characters approach the preservation or adaptation of their identity?

Examine the role of writing in the text. How does writing help Esther’s self-development and shape her character arc? What wider significance do writing and storytelling have within the text?

Consider all the different people Esther meets in Agramonte. How does each one help or challenge Esther and Papa? How do these characters illuminate different aspects and forms of cross-cultural understanding?