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

- Of Women and Salt is Gabriela Garcia's debut novel, and it made a splash with its exploration of the complexities of motherhood, immigration, and the bonds between women.
- The novel was selected as a Read with Jenna Book Club pick by Today in March 2021, highlighting its impact and resonance with readers.
- Gabriela Garcia drew inspiration from her own Cuban and Mexican heritage while writing Of Women and Salt, aiming to give voice to diverse and often underrepresented perspectives.

**Jeanette**  
Jeanette is the Cuban American daughter of Carmen and is depicted as a protagonist with a complex life marked by a series of personal challenges. Her narrative is threaded through the novel, often illustrating her struggles with her identity and the consequences of family relationships.

**Mario**  
Mario is Jeanette’s on-again, off-again boyfriend whom she meets in rehab. His life is interwoven with Jeanette's, as they both navigate the challenges of addiction and their turbulent relationship.

**Carmen**  
Carmen is Jeanette’s mother and a Cuban immigrant characterized by her reserved and traditional demeanor. Her relationship with Jeanette is strained, stemming from varying perspectives and unresolved family issues.

**Gloria**  
Gloria is Jeanette’s neighbor from El Salvador who faces numerous challenges as an immigrant in the United States. Her journey focuses on her experiences with immigration and her bond with her daughter, Ana.

**Ana**  
Ana is Gloria’s daughter, introduced as a child who grows into her storyline as the narrative progresses. Her character navigates complex feelings of belonging and identity in different countries.

**María Isabel**  
María Isabel is the first character introduced and the ancestor of several central figures in the novel. She defies social norms through her work and personal decisions during an era of significant societal change.

**Maydelis**  
Maydelis is Jeanette’s cousin in Cuba, whose perspective provides insight into the complexities of modern Cuban life. Her character highlights the differing perceptions and assumptions about Cuba and the United States.

**Dolores**  
Dolores is Carmen’s mother and Jeanette’s grandmother, living in Cuba with a history intricately linked to familial and cultural narratives. Her character’s past impacts the generational storyline within the novel.

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