Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine is a poignant and evocative novel that follows the life of Luz “Little Light” Lopez, a young Indigenous woman trying to navigate the complexities of identity, heritage, and survival in early 20th-century America. Set in the American West, the story takes place primarily in Denver, where Luz works as a laundress. However, the novel reaches deeper into the past, telling the stories of Luz’s ancestors, particularly her grandmother, who was also a strong and resilient woman. These multi-generational narratives provide the foundation for Luz's understanding of her own identity and her struggle to find a place in a world marked by colonization and racism.
At the core of Luz’s journey is the exploration of her Indigenous heritage and the trauma of colonialism that her family has endured over generations. The novel paints a vivid picture of the impact of displacement, with Luz facing the emotional and psychological scars left by her family’s separation from their ancestral land. As she grows up in a world that marginalizes her, Luz struggles with how to reconcile her Indigenous identity with the modern life she lives. The novel highlights the difficulties of maintaining cultural traditions when surrounded by a dominant society that dismisses and exploits them.
The narrative of Woman of Light shifts between the present and the past, with Luz’s story intertwining with the experiences of her grandmother, who lived through the early struggles of the Lopez family. Her grandmother’s story, in particular, illuminates the strength and resilience of Indigenous women, who have long been caretakers of their culture and communities despite the oppressive forces they face. The legacy of this strength passes down to Luz, though her path is fraught with challenges as she seeks to understand her own place in the world.
One of the central themes of the novel is the concept of land and belonging. Luz feels a deep connection to her family’s land, despite being physically removed from it. Her longing for the land is symbolic of the larger loss experienced by Indigenous communities who were forcibly displaced and stripped of their heritage. Fajardo-Anstine uses this theme to underscore the importance of place and how it is intricately tied to personal and collective identity. Luz’s desire to reconnect with her roots serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and recognition.
As Luz works to understand her cultural identity, she must also confront the external forces that seek to define her. The novel explores the pervasive racism and discrimination that Luz faces, particularly as a woman of Indigenous descent. Her experiences with prejudice challenge her sense of self-worth, forcing her to navigate a world that consistently devalues her heritage and gender. Yet, through these struggles, Luz grows stronger and more determined to honor her ancestors, reclaim her culture, and protect her community’s history.
Ultimately, Woman of Light is a meditation on survival, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Fajardo-Anstine beautifully captures the strength of women in her portrayal of Luz and her grandmother, showing how their lives and voices are both shaped by and resistant to the forces of colonialism. The novel highlights the importance of family bonds, memory, and tradition in navigating a world that is often hostile to Indigenous people. Through Luz’s journey, the novel explores the complexities of identity, the pain of historical trauma, and the ongoing search for belonging in a world that often feels indifferent to Indigenous lives.
