Who Would Like This Book:
If you love multi-generational family sagas, historical fiction, or magical realism, this book is a treat! Kali Fajardo-Anstine weaves Denver’s 1930s Indigenous and Chicano histories into a luminous coming-of-age tale with unforgettable characters and beautiful writing. Fans of immersive, character-driven stories, and those looking to explore underrepresented perspectives in the American West, will be swept away by Luz’s journey and the tapestry of her family’s past.
Who May Not Like This Book:
The frequent jumps between timelines and the use of untranslated Spanish terms can make the narrative a bit confusing, especially if you read in small bursts or prefer straightforward storytelling. Readers who aren’t keen on slower builds, non-linear narratives, or who dislike doing a little outside research might struggle to stay connected.
About:
Woman of Light is an engaging coming-of-age story about Luz, an Indigenous woman navigating life in 1930s Denver, Colorado. The novel spans five generations of a family with Indigenous-Chicano roots, exploring their struggles and connections to the past through Luz's gift as a seer. Set in a slightly fantastical and magical realism version of the Southwest, the book dives into themes of intergenerational patterns, oppression, and the impact of historical events.
The writing style is beautifully crafted, drawing readers into a rich and complex narrative filled with distinct characters and heartfelt connections. The story oscillates between different timelines, which may be challenging for some readers. However, it powerfully illustrates the family's bond and the broader context of their experiences in a segregated society. The author masterfully conveys messages about history and identity without lecturing, making it a gripping and thought-provoking read.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings may include themes of racism, trauma, and depictions of historical oppression.
Has Romance?
The book contains elements of romance but it is not the central focus.
From The Publisher:
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
A "dazzling, cinematic, intimate, lyrical" (Roxane Gay) epic of betrayal, love, and fate that spans five generations of an Indigenous Chicano family in the American West, from the author of the National Book Award finalist Sabrina & Corina
"Sometimes you just step into a book and let it wash over you, like you're swimming under a big, sparkling night sky."-Celeste Ng, author of Little Fires Everywhere and Everything I Never Told You
A PHENOMENAL BOOK CLUB PICK AND AN AUDACIOUS BOOK CLUB PICK
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Book Riot
There is one every generation, a seer who keeps the stories.
Luz "Little Light" Lopez, a tea leaf reader and laundress, is left to fend for herself after her older brother, Diego, a snake charmer and factory worker, is run out of town by a violent white mob. As Luz navigates 1930s Denver, she begins to have visions that transport her to her Indigenous homeland in the nearby Lost Territory. Luz recollects her ancestors' origins, how her family flourished, and how they were threatened. She bears witness to the sinister forces that have devastated her people and their homelands for generations. In the end, it is up to Luz to save her family stories from disappearing into oblivion.
Written in Kali Fajardo-Anstine's singular voice, the wildly entertaining and complex lives of the Lopez family fill the pages of this multigenerational western saga. Woman of Light is a transfixing novel about survival, family secrets, and love-filled with an unforgettable cast of characters, all of whom are just as special, memorable, and complicated as our beloved heroine, Luz.
LONGLISTED FOR THE JOYCE CAROL OATES PRIZE
LONGLISTED FOR THE CAROL SHIELDS PRIZE FOR FICTION
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Woman of Light?
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