41 pages • 1 hour read
Ana CastilloSo Far from God
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1993A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
So Far from God by Ana Castillo follows the lives of Sofi and her four daughters, Esperanza, Caridad, Fe, and La Loca, in Tome, New Mexico, as they endure numerous hardships. Sofi raises her daughters alone after banishing her gambler husband, Domingo. Each daughter faces unique challenges: Esperanza becomes a journalist; Caridad transforms from trauma and finds love; Fe succumbs to occupational hazards; and La Loca, a gifted recluse, is venerated after her death. Sensitive topics in the book include death, illness, and violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
So Far From God by Ana Castillo is praised for its vibrant storytelling and rich cultural tapestry, blending magical realism with Chicana feminist themes. Critics commend its strong female characters and social commentary. However, some find its narrative structure disjointed. Overall, it's lauded for its lyrical prose and impactful messages.
Who Should Read So Far from God?
Readers who enjoy magical realism, strong female characters, and themes of cultural and spiritual identity will appreciate So Far From God by Ana Castillo. Fans of Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits and Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude will find similar elements in this engaging, multilayered narrative.