Alma

Alma is the novel’s protagonist. A celebrated writer, Alma's life takes a significant turn when she decides to retire and return to the Dominican Republic, where she was born. Her decision to create a cemetery for her incomplete manuscripts symbolizes her deep commitment to the art of storytelling and her recognition of the numerous stories that remain incomplete or unvoiced. As the novel progresses, Alma becomes a complex character embodying themes of creativity, memory, and legacy. Her initial plan to create a sanctuary for unfinished manuscripts and untold stories highlights her desire to honor the voices that never had the chance to be heard. This cemetery becomes a physical manifestation of her life's work and a space where the unspoken narratives can find rest.

Upon moving to the Dominican Republic, Alma hires Filomena as a groundskeeper. Filomena, an illiterate woman from the local community, becomes a crucial...