Woman of Light

Content Warning: This section of the guide describes and discusses the novel’s treatment of alcohol addiction; anti-gay bias; racism and racist violence; sexual advances toward a minor; sexual assault; forced abortion; and stillbirth.

Desiderya, a clairvoyant known as the Sleepy Prophet in the Pueblo village of Pardona, wakes from her sleep, aware that she must go to an arroyo (a dried stream) because a child is waiting. She finds an infant boy whom she brings back to the village. Passing a Catholic church, the spirits of four priests tell her to name the boy Pidre. Desiderya raises Pidre Lopez for the remaining 11 years of her life, telling him, “You gave me such joy […] You are my grandson, and you are my friend. Thank you for coming into my life” (xxiii). He finds respect among the different nationalities of people trading in the village. As a young man, he fulfills Desiderya’s prophecy of him meeting a fierce woman and having two daughters by leaving for the wider world.

Pidre’s grandchildren Luz (the titular “Little Light”) and Diego, as well as their aunt Maria Josie (Josefina) and cousin Lizette, attend the annual Denver chili harvest festival along the South Platte River.