Tilo

The narrator of the novel chooses the name Tilottama for herself after she has learned everything about spices from the Mother. The name means essence of til. In turn, "til" means one who restores hope. It is important that the reader realize that Tilo has other names in the novel. She was Nayan Tara as a youngster, which means Star-seer. After the earthquake, she chooses the name Maya, because it has several meanings. One of those is “the power that keeps this imperfect world going day after day” (337). For the sake of clarity in this guide, she is always referred to as Tilo except in direct quotes.

Tilo has magic power even as a child. She has a difficult life as a girl – insignificant in this culture – until she begins to use her power. The reader first sees Tilo's true nature during that time. When the family rose...