Who is Carulina and The Thousand from History: A Novel and what is their importance?

Carulina is a fifteen-year-old member of The Thousand family. She was impregnated at fourteen, but does not know who the father is. Carulina gives birth to twin girls, Rosa and Celeste and, although she is not healthy herself, tries to be a good mother to them in spite of the fact that she is still a child, herself. She washes their clothing and actually tries to take care of everyone, including little Useppe. Carulina is fascinated by movies and celebrities, and claims to have seen Janet Gaynor emerge from an egg bomb, hand out treats, and return to the flying vessel from which she had emerged. Useppe is particularly fond of Carulina and remembers her name one time later in the story when he is older. Carulina's twins eventually die from malnutrition, and she turns to prostitution. The family leaves the shelter.