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2021 Boston Globe Best Books of the Year2021 Washington Post Best Books of the YearThis program includes a bonus conversation between the author and Roxane Gay.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 bornIn 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, Gabriela Garcia's 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 Americas most tangled, honest, human roots.  A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

In Gabriela Garcia's captivating novel, "Of Women and Salt", we are transported to a mesmerizing world infused with the essence of women's strength, resilience, and enduring bonds. Set against the backdrop of Miami and the Cuban diaspora, this poignant narrative delves into the lives of four extraordinary women whose destinies intertwine in unexpected ways.

At the heart of the story is Jeanette, a young woman grappling with the aftermath of a devastating loss. Seeking solace and answers, she embarks on a journey to Cuba, where she uncovers the hidden truths of her family's past and finds unexpected connections with her ancestors.

As Jeanette's journey unfolds, we encounter Dolores, a formidable matriarch who carries the weight of her family's history on her shoulders. Through her unwavering spirit and unwavering devotion to her loved ones, Dolores embodies the strength and resilience of women who have faced countless adversities.

Interwoven with these powerful women's lives is the story of Carmen, a young Cuban-American woman struggling to find her place in a world that often marginalizes her identity. As she navigates the complexities of her heritage and her search for belonging, Carmen discovers the importance of embracing her roots and finding her own voice.

The narrative also introduces us to Mama, a wise and enigmatic figure who serves as a guiding force for the other women. With her profound understanding of the human experience, Mama offers solace, wisdom, and a sense of hope to those who seek her guidance.

Throughout the novel, Garcia weaves a tapestry of emotions, exploring themes of love, loss, identity, and the enduring power of familial bonds. "Of Women and Salt" is a testament to the resilience of the female spirit and the transformative power of stories that connect us across generations.