How Does Angie Cruz’S Soledad Handle Becoming A Parent?

“Soledad” is a novel by Angie Cruz that follows the lives of a Dominican family, primarily dominated by women. The story follows Soledad, who escapes her abusive and depressed mother for a better life, only to return to her family’s Washington Heights home under pressure when she learns her mother has switched mothers.

The protagonist, Soledad, faces challenges in taming her cousin Flaca’s unruly behavior and resisting falling for Richie, a soulful, intense man from the neighborhood. She also faces the challenge of trying to salvage her mother, Olivia, from her semi-catatonic state.

The story highlights the struggles of women who are judged not to be “good” mothers by medical professionals, teachers, friends, and family due to their lack of “good” children. Soledad’s biggest relationship change is with her mother, who she used to completely avoid and ignore. At first, Soledad would spend her time with her other children, but eventually, she begins to understand her family and how her mother navigated her toxic relationship.

Soledad’s family felt that Soledad thought she was better than them, and she is partly catatonic or comatose. Her relatives believe that her mother is resolving some difficult issues in her sleep. The novel was initially inspired by Ana’s mother’s arrival story, as she was married off with the hope that the marriage would bring her happiness and fulfillment.

In conclusion, “Soledad” is a captivating story that explores the complex relationships between a depressed, bedridden mother, an angry daughter, a spiritual aunt, a ferocious cousin, and a hopeful grandmother.