Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia interweaves the stories of several generations of women from Cuba to Miami, focusing on themes of family, patriarchy, feminism, race, colonialism, and immigration. María Isabel's life as a cigar roller in 19th-century Cuba sets the stage for subsequent generations, leading to Dolores's struggle during the Cuban Revolution, her daughter Carmen's move to the US, and Carmen's daughter Jeanette's battles with addiction and search for identity, culminating in Jeanette forming a connection with Ana, a young girl affected by US immigration policies. The novel spans from 1866 to 2019, highlighting the enduring impact of personal and political histories on the characters' lives and decisions.

The book includes sensitive topics like domestic violence, substance use, and sexual abuse.

Gabriela Garcia's Of Women and Salt has been praised for its lyrical prose and complex portrayal of mother-daughter relationships across generations. Reviewers have applauded its interweaving of Cuban-American histories. However, some critics felt its multiple narratives could be disjointed. Overall, it’s a compelling read with rich cultural insights.

Readers who will enjoy Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia are those who appreciate multi-generational sagas focusing on Latinx heritage, immigration, and resilience. Fans of The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende and The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz will find this novel compelling and profound.

Melancholic / Emotional / Contemplative / Dark / Mysterious

Gabriela Garcia

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