Who is Gemma from Briar Rose and what is their importance? Briar_Rose_(novel) English & Literature Gemma | Briar Rose

Grandmother of Becca, Shana and Sylvia, Gemma is known by several names, including Genevieve or Dawna Prinz to her family and friends. It's only after her death that it's discovered that her name might have been Gitl Mandlestein. She's dubbed "Gemma" by her granddaughters, the oldest of which is unable to properly say grandma. Gemma never talks about her life prior to coming to America except through the fairy tale, and it takes a trip to Poland in order to discover the details.