In the Name of Salome

“Before she leaves, she makes the sign of the cross—an old habit she has not been able to shake since her mother’s death sixty-three years ago. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of my mother, Salomé.”

Camila’s aunt teaches her this variation on the sign of the cross right after Salomé’s death. The choice of words doesn’t simply invite a blessing from her dead mother; it indicates that Camila has lived her entire life in the name of her mother.

“She indulged this habit of erasing herself, of turning herself into the third person, a minor character, the best friend (or daughter!) of the dying first-person hero or heroine. Her mission in life—after the curtain falls—to tell the story of the great ones who have passed on.”

The narrator makes this observation about Camila as she begins telling her life story for Marion. Camila doesn’t consider herself great. Her distinguished family overshadows her accomplishments both in the public record and in her own mind.

“I begin dividing my life into B.N. and A.N.: Before Nísidas and After Nísidas.”

Salomé’s world changes radically after the return of her father. In this quote, she refers to him by his pen name. This choice implies that his influence is felt most strongly in encouraging her to write poetry. This artistic expression is what makes her happiest.