Woman of Light

Denver, Colorado, is a different world depending on where you came from.  For the white immigrants, it’s a new chance at life.  But for the Indigenous tribes, it is a world of trouble and strife as they attempt to hold on to their heritage in an ever changing and increasingly prejudicial world.  Kali Fajardo-Anstine’s Woman of Light takes readers back in time to the 1930’s – a time when cultures were clashing in Denver with violent results occasionally.  This novel is about generational trauma and mistakes that threaten to divide families.  It is also a novel about resiliency and not allowing someone else to hold you down.  

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I give Woman of Light 4 out of 5 stars.  This is a Western novel from a different perspective, focused on how the white settlers upend the culture and society to suit their own desires without thoughts to the consequences.  The imagery brings the story to life and left me feeling like I was there to see it myself.  However, I did have trouble following the story at times as it jumps between characters and, sometimes, eras.  This might be in part because I chose the audio version of this book, but I had to go back and re-listen to sections to make sure I followed where the author took us.  I also found myself struggling to stay connected to the story when Luz’s relationships came up – I feel like some of the romance scenes were unnecessary and made me dislike the character.  However, the author’s unique style makes it feel as though you are listening to a verbal history or family legacy being passed down.  This book brings history and fable together well as historical fiction.

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As with several books we’ve recently read, this book would be great for readers looking to learn more about the history of the area.  Based loosely on events in Denver, it gives readers a look at how the riots and other cultural events affected all races in the city.  This would make a great book club read with so many discussion points in Luz’s personal saga, as well as the generational influence with the women who came before her.  With discussions of sex, violence, and death, I would recommend this book for more mature readers over 13.

I chose Woman of Light for the US States reading challenge prompt Colorado.  Many of the author’s works are set in the state and would make great reads for this challenge!  There’s plenty of other great reads set in the state – check out the weekly agenda for other options.

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What I’m Reading

• Current print book: Between, Georgia, Joshilyn Jackson
• Current audio book: Stiltsville, Susanna Daniel
• Book I’m most looking forward to: Eat Pray Love, Elizabeth Gilbert