Montserrat

Montserrat is the central character in the first story, “books and roses.” She was found as a baby with a note and a key attached to her, and raised by monks. She eventually finds work in a laundry, where she befriends Senora Lucy. At the end of the story, she is bequeathed an entire library by Zacarias Salazar, who knew and loved her mother.

Señora Lucy

Señora Lucy is a central character in the first story, “books and roses.” As a young woman, she poses as a wealthy woman in order to get into elite parties and steal from the guests. Doing so she meets Safiye, who becomes her lover. As an older woman, she becomes famous for her paintings and still has a key to a secret garden full of roses.

Radha Chaudhry

Radha Chaudhry is the first narrator of the story, “is your blood...