Alma Rivera - The novel's central protagonist, a housewife from Pátzcuaro, Mexico. She emigrated to the United States with her husband Arturo and daughter Maribel after Maribel suffered a traumatic brain injury, hoping to enroll her in a special school in Delaware. Alma struggles with homesickness, learning English, and guilt over Maribel's accident.

Maribel Rivera - Alma and Arturo's teenage daughter who sustained a brain injury that left her with impairments like memory loss and difficulty speaking. Her parents bring her to the U.S. to attend a school for students with disabilities.

Mayor Toro - A Panamanian-American teenager who develops a romantic connection with Maribel. He is an outcast at school but finds solace in his relationship with Maribel.

Arturo Rivera - Alma's husband and Maribel's father. He owned a construction business in Mexico but takes a job at a mushroom farm after immigrating to support his family.

Celia Toro - Mayor's mother, originally from Panama. She befriends Alma and helps her adjust to life in the U.S.

Rafael Toro - Mayor's father, also from Panama. He loses his job during the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

Other notable characters include Quisqueya Solis, a neighbor who witnesses Mayor and Maribel's relationship, and Garrett Miller, a bully who torments Mayor at school.

Developed by Perplexity AI

Immigration and the American Dream
The novel centers around the pursuit of the American Dream by various immigrant families from Latin American countries like Mexico, Panama, and Nicaragua. It examines the challenges they face in adapting to a new country, culture, and language, as well as the sacrifices they make for a better life.

Identity and Belonging
A central theme is the sense of being an "unknown American" - feeling invisible, misunderstood, and struggling to find one's place in American society. The characters grapple with issues of identity, assimilation, and acceptance in their new homeland.

Family and Community
The novel highlights the importance of family bonds and the formation of tight-knit immigrant communities. The characters find solace, support, and a sense of belonging within their cultural enclaves, even as they navigate the difficulties of adapting to American life.

Love and Relationships
At the heart of the story is a budding romance between two teenagers, Maribel and Mayor, from different immigrant backgrounds. Their relationship serves as a metaphor for the challenges and hopes of the immigrant experience.

Disability and Resilience
Maribel, the daughter of the central Rivera family, has a traumatic brain injury that affects her memory and cognitive abilities. The novel explores the family's resilience and determination to provide her with the best care and opportunities in their adopted country.

In summary, "The Book of Unknown Americans" is a touching exploration of the immigrant experience in America, touching on themes of identity, belonging, family, love, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Developed by Perplexity AI