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Woman of Light

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

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Book Brief

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Kali Fajardo-Anstine

Woman of Light

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Denver, Colorado • 1930s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

3.9

13,580 ratings

59%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Woman of Light?

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.

3.9

13,580 ratings

59%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Luz “Little Light” Lopez

An 18-year-old clairvoyant and multiracial young woman determined to find her path amid familial and societal challenges. She works in a laundry in Denver and takes on new roles to support her family.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A handyman and trumpet player who becomes romantically involved with Luz. He interacts closely with her family and community in Denver.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Denver, Colorado • 1930s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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