A review by inlaraland
Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia

challenging emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

4.5 / 5

This short historical-fiction novel packs a punch. With about 200 pages, Gabriela Garcia knits a patchwork of stories from the various female characters (set in different timelines) and weaves a moving tale that discusses the pain of suffering under political struggle, immigration, loss, and addiction. There is an emphasis on generational trauma, which is told through the relationships between the mothers and daughters in this novel. The narrative isn't quite linear, and each chapter reads more like a short story. However, when it all comes together in the end, you feel the heavyweight of emotion that author has been building from the first chapter. This book will challenge your perception and remind you of privileges that most people can easily take for granted. I didn't anticipate giving this book such a high rating when I first started reading, but the breathtaking writing and gut wrenching story is one I consider a favorite.

If you've enjoyed "Pachinko" and "The Mountains Sing" then I think you'll really like this one!

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