A Handful of Stars

The void left by Lily’s mother’s early death lingers throughout the narrative. Her absence becomes palpable as Lily yearns for more information about her mother’s experiences and interests. This yearning is heightened by Mémère’s reluctance to share details, leaving Lily in a perpetual state of curiosity. The regret of not having known more of her mother adds a layer of complexity to Lily’s character as she clutches fragments of her mother’s life like precious gems. Dr. Katz’s stories and photos become cherished possessions, offering glimpses into a mother she barely knew. To fill the void left by her mother’s absence, Lily often imagines her mother encouraging her in key moments of decision-making. This imaginative presence serves as a form of emotional scaffolding for Lily, offering reassurance and fostering her resilience when facing challenges.

For Lily’s grandparents, navigating the grief of their daughter’s death is strenuous, revealing the profound impact of loss on their family dynamics as they grapple with grief while simultaneously supporting their granddaughter. Mémère is undeniably dedicated to Lily, ensuring her well-being through a constant, practical presence. On the surface, Mémère appears cautious and controlling, often voicing concerns about Lily’s ventures. Holding onto the reins in Lily’s life, Mémère might feel a sense of control amid the chaos of their loss. In an outburst after hearing of Lily’s plans to set up a booth at the festival, she hints at a deep-seated fear of Lily repeating a recklessness that might have contributed to her mother’s death. However, Mémère’s outward expression of love lacks the soft touch and emotional connection Lily often desires. Thus, characters like Rosa (Salma’s mother) and Dr. Katz embody such nurturing motherly warmth. The moment shared with Rosa becomes a significant and impactful scene for Lily. Lily’s heartfelt reaction to the simple act of painting her nails underscores the depth of her longing.

Similarly, with a knowing smile and a listening ear, Dr. Katz provides Lily with a safe space to share her vulnerabilities and anxieties, offering guidance without judgment. She stands out as a key maternal figure to Lily, and the connection between them is an indispensable presence in her life. Having been friends with Lily’s mother when they were younger, Dr. Katz represents a tangible link to Lily’s past. This connection allows her to serve as a bridge between Lily and her mother, making Dr. Katz a uniquely qualified confidante for Lily. The small yet significant act of willingly permitting Dr. Katz to use her real name highlights the depth of their relationship, emphasizing the importance Lily assigns to Dr. Katz as someone who shares in her grief. Dr. Katz’s insights and advice echo the kind of maternal wisdom Lily yearns for, providing a comforting presence in her life. Whether cautioning her about the potential risks of Lucky’s surgery or encouraging her to showcase her bee houses at the festival, Dr. Katz becomes a source of reliable support and guidance.

The constant backdrop of her mother’s feats intensifies Lily’s self-consciousness. Her mother’s strong-willed personality acts as an ever-present measuring stick, making Lily acutely aware of the precedent her mother set: “I think beautiful people like Mama and Salma have an easier chance of getting away with being different, though” (67). Every step Lily takes in her creative journey feels smaller because of this, and she struggles with a sense of self-doubt and inadequacy. Yet, her mother’s pioneering nature later ignites a spark of courage within Lily as the novel progresses, giving her the courage to step outside her comfort zone and even inspire others like Salma.

As the narrative unfolds, Lily undergoes a notable transformation, evident in her growing courage and evolving creativity, demonstrating how she is Embracing Evolving Friendships and Navigating Growing Pains. The shift in her attitude, particularly in decisions such as securing a booth at the festival and experimenting with new painting designs, not only brings her a sense of fulfillment but also instills a newfound boldness: “Today, I’d only felt a little bit braver than I was scared. Just enough to tip the scales. But that was all I needed” (75). Lily’s determination to paint bee houses without a stencil becomes a potent symbol of a newfound sense of self. Initially deeming tiger lilies embarrassing, Lily begins to change her perspective, influenced by Salma’s description of their fierceness. This transformation expands beyond the flowers to include Lily’s own identity, marking a pivotal aspect of her character journey, symbolizing a departure from societal expectations and a wholehearted embrace of the strength inherent in her individuality.

Lily’s evolving openness to change and difference becomes apparent throughout the narrative, but an intriguing contradiction emerges when Salma expresses interest in participating in the pageant. While Lily champions Salma’s inclusion in the event in front of Mrs. LaRue, expressing a belief in equal opportunities for all contestants, her inner apprehension surfaces. Lily fears that Salma’s distinctiveness, rooted in her status as an outsider, might hinder her chances of winning. This contradiction highlights Lily’s internal struggle, torn between advocating for equality and succumbing to societal biases: “A girl didn’t just come into town and win the pageant. Downeast Blueberry Queen was more than having your hair done and wearing a blue dress. The winner represented our local towns—and us. The judges would never pick Salma” (81). Her emphasis on the winner representing the local towns and community underscores the narrow definition of belonging, one that seems to exclude individuals like Salma. The protective stance Lily adopts in front of Mrs. LaRue reveals her commitment to defending Salma against prejudice, yet her private reservations underscore the complexities of confronting ingrained societal expectations. This internal conflict adds depth to Lily’s character, portraying the nuanced challenges of embracing difference even as one grapples with personal uncertainties and biases.

Salma struggles with belonging and the pervasive sense of being treated as an outsider in the local community. She realizes the paradoxical expectation for migrant workers to contribute economically while simultaneously not setting roots where they go: “People want us to come and work, but they want us to be invisible” (94). Her powerful statement unveils the systemic discrimination that migrant workers confront, reflecting a broader societal issue. Salma’s desire to participate in the pageant becomes a symbolic assertion of her right to visibility and recognition. The local community’s hesitancy and Lily’s internal conflicts about Salma’s chances in the pageant reveal the entrenched societal challenges for those who, like Salma, are perceived as different.

The blueberry festival provides opportunities for Lily and Salma, individually and together, to demonstrate Building Bridges across Cultural Divides. Lily’s decision to offer blueberry enchiladas is an inclusive one that incorporates a food item from the migrants’ culture—tortillas—with the premier crop of the region—blueberries. The idea came to her by way of Salma’s gift of a blueberry enchilada early in their friendship. Salma’s decision to participate in the pageant also represents a bridge between cultures, especially since Salma doesn’t have the same hair and skin color as the usual winners. Even though Hannah and Lily have grown apart, Hannah helps Salma, and her willingness to provide information about the pageant and loan Salma a dress is another example of connection across cultures.