The Weight of All Things

The Weight of All Things, written by esteemed American author Sandra Benitez, is a lyrical novel portraying the effects of the civil war in El Salvador during the 1980s. This war between conservatives and communists is portrayed through the eyes of a child; detailing the brutality of both sides and showcasing the futility of war. Written in the third person omniscient style, the events of a brutal war are depicted with graphic detail, yet the use of magical realism endears us to the young protagonist. Benitez is well known for another novel chronicling historical events in El Salvador: Bitter Grounds, for which she won the American Book Award. Born in America, her father’s work led her to spend some of her youth in El Salvador. This firsthand experience informs her depiction of life in El Salvador in The Weight of All Things.

This guide refers to the 2001 Hyperion edition.

Plot Summary

The Weight of All Things showcases the long-lasting effects of war and corruption on a land and its people. These effects are what the title refers to: the weight of carrying the traumatic memories and losses suffered during war.