A sparse intergenerational epic, Of Women and Salt depicts a line of Cuban women from the 1850s on through present day. With rotating perspectives and non-chronological structure, the story focuses mainly on Carmen and her daughter Jeanette who live in Miami with relatives who remain in Camagüey.

Of Women and Salt is written with evocative, poignant language and some truly incisive commentary subtly incorporated by way of characters’ inner monologues. In my opinion, one of the most meaningful parts of this book is the way it humanizes every protagonist. Each woman is complicated, relatable, and doing her best with the life she has. Their interconnectedness amplifies the way trauma’s effects ripple in furtive, intractable ways. 

While this book is beautifully written and wonderfully atmospheric, it fell short for me in a couple ways. Specifically, the story felt somewhat disjointed and underdeveloped. I suspect it would have made an excellent short story collection rather than a novel. Secondly, the incorporation of Ana and Gloria struck me as peripheral in a way that rang hollow, like their particular story was short-changed.