Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs

What does the title reflect about Solimar and the novel’s plot? In what ways does Solimar act as a sword?

How does Solimar change over the course of the novel? What evidence does the novel provide that Solimar is transitioning to adulthood? Are there other characters who experience changes? Cite examples from the text to support your answer.

How does Muñoz Ryan’s use of magical elements to convey her themes? How do they integrate with the novel’s characterization and plot? Take another contemporary work of magical realism and compare how magic is used in both works.