DigeeBooks

Gabriela Garcia's Of Women and Salt is a sweeping, masterful debut about a daughter's fateful choice, a mother motivated by her own past, and a family legacy that begins in Cuba before either of them were born.In present-day Miami, Jeanette is battling addiction. Daughter of Carmen, a Cuban immigrant, she is determined to learn more about her family history from her reticent mother and makes the snap decision to take in the daughter of a neighbor detained by ICE. Carmen, still wrestling with the trauma of displacement, must process her difficult relationship with her own mother while trying to raise a wayward Jeanette. Steadfast in her quest for understanding, Jeanette travels to Cuba to see her grandmother and reckon with secrets from the past destined to erupt.From 19th-century cigar factories to present-day detention centers, from Cuba to Mexico, Of Women and Salt is a kaleidoscopic portrait of betrayals―personal and political, self-inflicted and those done by others―that have shaped the lives of these extraordinary women. A haunting meditation on the choices of mothers, the legacy of the memories they carry, and the tenacity of women who choose to tell their stories despite those who wish to silence them, this is more than a diaspora story; it is a story of America’s most tangled, honest, human roots.

In the captivating novel "Of Women and Salt" by Gabriela Garcia, the lives of four generations of women from the Hernandez family intertwine, creating a powerful narrative that explores themes of love, loss, resilience, and the search for identity.

The story begins in the 19th century with Maria, a young woman who leaves her home in Cuba to start a new life in the United States. She faces numerous challenges as she navigates the unfamiliar land, but her determination and unwavering spirit help her to overcome obstacles and build a new life for herself.

As the story progresses, we meet Maria's daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters, each of whom faces their own unique struggles and triumphs. Through their stories, Garcia delves into the complexities of family dynamics, the sacrifices women make for their loved ones, and the search for a sense of belonging in a changing world.

With its beautifully crafted prose and vivid storytelling, "Of Women and Salt" captivates readers from the very first page. Garcia's skillful storytelling brings the characters to life, making their struggles and triumphs feel deeply personal. The novel is a poignant exploration of the lives of women across generations, highlighting the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

As readers journey through the generations of the Hernandez family, they will be captivated by the rich history, cultural traditions, and the enduring bond between women. "Of Women and Salt" is a powerful and moving story that celebrates the strength of the female spirit and the unbreakable ties that bind families together.