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352
Novel • Fiction
Denver, Colorado • 1930s
2022
Adult
18+ years
In Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine, the story centers on Luz "Little Light" Lopez, a young clairvoyant, and spans multiple decades of the 20th century. Luz and her family, of Mexican, Pueblo, and European heritage, battle against racial and economic oppression while enduring personal trials including police harassment, alcohol addiction, and family separation. Topics include alcohol addiction; anti-gay bias; racism and racist violence; sexual advances toward a minor; sexual assault; forced abortion; and stillbirth.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Emotional
Mysterious
13,580 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Kali Fajardo-Anstine's Woman of Light has been praised for its evocative prose and rich cultural tapestry, bringing the stories of a Chicano family to life with vibrancy. However, some critics note that its complex narrative structure can be challenging to follow. Overall, it's a compelling tale of heritage and resilience.
Readers who cherish multi-generational, culturally rich narratives like Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits or Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude will be captivated by Kali Fajardo-Anstine’s Woman of Light. Lovers of strong female leads, historical settings, and Latino heritage will find this novel deeply engaging.
13,580 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Maria Josie/Josefina
The strong and independent aunt of Luz and Diego who raises them when they come to Denver. She works at a factory and shares her clairvoyant abilities with her foremothers.
Lizette
The worldly 18-year-old cousin of Luz and Diego who works alongside Luz in a laundry. She is engaged to her boyfriend Alfonso and sews her wedding gown.
Diego Lopez
Luz’s older brother known for his good looks and snake charming abilities. He works both at a rubber company and with rattlesnakes, and faces critical choices regarding his family.
Pidre Lopez
An affable negotiator who creates an entertainment show and is a father to Sara and Maria Josie. He is of Indigenous and Spanish heritage and is involved in a tragic conflict over land rights.
Simodecea Salazar-Smith
A Mexican sharpshooter and the main attraction in Pidre's show, who shares a strong bond with her daughters, Sara and Maria Josie. She demonstrates resilience and foresight in her role within the family.
David Tikas
The son of a Greek grocer who becomes a lawyer advocating for the rights of marginalized individuals. He has a connection with Luz’s family and employs her as an assistant in his practice.
Avel Cosme
A handyman and trumpet player who becomes romantically involved with Luz. He interacts closely with her family and community in Denver.
352
Novel • Fiction
Denver, Colorado • 1930s
2022
Adult
18+ years
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