Rinka's Sister (Sylvie)

Character Analysis

Rinka hires Sadima to help in the cheese shop because, as she says, "My youngest sister is heavy with child—she lost her last one and none of us wants her working now, so we are in need of help" (27.15). So Sylvie is the reason Sadima gets to know Rinka, which is only a good development in her life.

When Sylvie has her kid and returns to work in the cheese shop, Sadima watches as "Sylvie held her baby, singing and rocking, staring down into her face" (53.1). It makes Sadima think of how her brother Micah had lovingly held her when she was a baby.