In the rich tapestry of Gilchrist's narratives, familiar faces from her earlier works make their graceful return. Characters like Nora Jane Whittington, Amanda McCamey, Traceleen, and especially the indomitable Rhoda Manning, step back into the spotlight. Though time has added years to their lives, their core essence remains unchanged, mirroring the depth of their initial portrayals. In the collection Light Can Be Both Wave and Particle, several tales transform past narratives with a newfound optimism. For instance, in "The Song of Songs," Barrett Clare, once the child given up for adoption by Amanda McCamey in The Annunciation (1983), uncovers the truth about her mother's identity. On a poignant Christmas Day, she reunites with Amanda, altering the somber tone of The Annunciation by imbuing it with hope, as the once-permanent separation softens. Gilchrist deftly weaves coincidences into her stories, not least when Barrett realizes she had previously met Amanda without recognizing her as her mother. Meanwhile, Nora Jane Whittington, who once embarked on a quest in "The Famous Poll in Jody's Bar" to find the father of her unborn child in San Francisco, returns in "The Starlight Express." Pregnant with twins and deserted by her boyfriend Sandy, she journeys northward to meet Freddy Harwood, another familiar face in Gilchrist's universe. In the secluded depths of Northern California, amidst the wild woods, she delivers her daughters just as a helicopter rescue team arrives to whisk her to safety. Freddy and Nora Jane seem on the cusp of a lasting connection, and the love for her newborn twins, Tammili and Lydia, already blossoms with strength.

Introducing Lin Tan Sing

Among the latest entrants to Gilchrist's vibrant ensemble is the captivating Lin Tan Sing, a Chinese medical student and research biologist at the University of California. Making his debut in "The Starlight Express" and the titular tale, Lin Tan is a bright young scientist whose gentleness and tranquility seem to know no bounds. His rich Chinese heritage and endearing, whimsical speech patterns serve as a constant reminder of his distinctive cultural roots. Yet, despite these differences, Lin Tan shares a profound connection with Gilchrist's American characters, underscoring a bond that transcends cultural divides. His scholarly curiosity and personal intrigue delve into the depths of human existence, particularly the emergence of the "miraculous brain of man."