Accidentals. Susan M. Gaines

Despite the fact that the US is home to a large portion of the Uruguayan diaspora and played a significant role in its mid–20th century history, many North Americans know nothing about Uruguay and its history of democracy and dictatorship. Especially now, when US institutions are being undermined, this facet of history will interest thoughtful readers.Explores myriad forms of cross–cultural and bilingual lives in the US and the many different ways to experience being an American immigrant, or the child of an immigrant.Author takes for granted that science, along with politics and history, is a suitable topic for literary fiction: a scientific quest is woven into the plot, and the characters' intellectual as well as emotional lives are center stage.Author's short fiction has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize.Author is a visiting artist/scholar at the American Academy in Rome and recipient of the 2018 Suffrage Science Award and an Art–in–Science Fellowship from the Hanse Institute of Advanced Study.Early endorsements from Karen Joy Fowler and Jean Hegland.