Woman of Light

Several characters refer to Luz as “Little Light.” Why do they call her this? Symbolically, why does Fajardo-Anstine have a character nicknamed this?

When Fajardo-Anstine refers to the Lost Territory, what area does she mean? How did this area become lost? In what ways does this loss affect Luz’s family?

Why does Teresita force Luz and Lizette to remain in the room as she treats an injured Diego? What does she expect them to learn?

On several occasions, Fajardo-Anstine describes characters consulting curanderos. Who are curanderos, and which characters seek them? Why do patients seek them rather than medical professionals? What does this practice reveal about female patients in particular?

Maria Josie believes many men suffer from brokenness. Which characters exemplify this? Does the novel frame these men as sympathetic?

How do Luz and Lizette view marriage? What influences their respective views? How do these views reflect in their respective romances?

Fajardo-Anstine takes care to mention her characters’ cultural backgrounds. What is the significance of this decision? How does it tie into The Richness of Multicultural Heritage?

Why does Simodecea choose to flee after killing Pidre’s murderers? How does this decision tie into The Arduous Journey of Women and The Impact of Racism and Discrimination? How does this decision reflect Luz’s own journey?