sciolist

At the behest of the sciolist (as Toloki ironically refers to an author attracted to postmodern meta fiction), Toloki investigates mourning on an international level.

The sciolist tells Toloki that in America "memory transforms the past to palliate the present," and indeed the Quigley family, although often confused about their ancestors, insists on a family story that features strong individuals dedicated to freedom and piety.