Of Woman and Salt: Book review

 


Title: Of women and salt
Author: Gabriella Garcia 
Genre: Literary Fiction

Of Women and Salt tells the complex story of multigenerational Cuban women set across different timelines..We have our primary protagonist Jeannette , daughter of a Cuban immigrant who is battling drug addiction. One day Jeannette rescues a neighbor's daughter Ana whose mother is picked up by the ICE as they are undocumented immigrants. Jeanette's mother compels her to call the police and turn Ana to them. This decision continues to haunt Jeanette who is also on the quest to visit her family in Cuba to uncover some secrets. 

Written from the point of view of multiple characters, the story seamlessly moves between timelines from 19th century Cuba to 21st century Miami.This non linear narrative at times appears confusing and compels readers to turn back to the pages. The writing is beautiful and lyrical, capturing the struggles, turmoil and anguish of the characters. The author addresses the grave issues like deportation, lives of undocumented immigrants, ICE, substance abuse and immigration. She touches upon the history and politics of Cuba. Simultaneously she tackles the mother daughter relationship which is the crux of this entire narrative. Themes of family, motherhood and displacement are touched upon here. 

Of women and salt is the story of betrayals, memories and going back to one's roots.  Emotional, haunting and disturbing, this book is definitely not an easy read. 

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