La Quinta Soledad

by Silviana Wood

Award-winning Chicana writer from Tucson, Arizona, Silviana Wood's debut novel, LA QUINTA SOLEDAD, is a tour de force of Mexican American literature, language, culture, cuisine, folklore and humor.

Part fiction and part memoir, the novel is narrated by 62-year-old Quinta Soledad, a neighborhood typist and scribe from Barrio Anita in Tucson, Arizona. She tells a multigenerational Mexicana/Chicana family story of "oro molido" memories that center on her strict and unforgiving abuela, Nana Conchita; her single mother, Lola, who loves to sing and dance; and her four older blossom Dalia (la Dolly, the frustrated artist who looks like Joan Baez), Magnolia (la Maggie, who loves animals and speaks in her own peculiar language), Orquídea (la Orky, the incessant liar and beautiful wannabe actress who is the best cook in the family), and Azucena (la Susie Mae, the lover of Gabriel García Márquez and expert on plants and saints' birthdays). After a barrio shoot-out, Lola convinces her great granddaughter and daughters to take her to the fiesta del milagroso San Francisco the following day in Magdalena de Kino, Sonora, México, where she and her mother, Nana Conchita, were born. Thus, plans are made for what turns out to be a rowdy female family road trip where la Quinta Soledad not only ends up confessing her "sins" and indiscretions with her divino tormento, Chevo, to el milagroso San Francisco, but also reconciling her difficult past and the sordid espantos that have haunted her dreams.

618 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2022

About the author

A native of Tucson, Arizona, Silviana Wood received her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona and was involved in the local theater community since the 1970s. She was known for her bilingual comedies and dramas as well as for being a professional storyteller, actor, director, and teacher of literature and Chicano Theater. Silviana twice won the Chicano/Latino Literary Prize from the University of California, once for Short Story, and once for Drama. In 2016, Barrio Dreams/ Selected Plays by Silviana Wood was published by the University of Arizona Press.

Reviews

[John B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved La Quinta Soledad. It’s one of those books that feels like sitting down with a wise, funny tía who’s spilling family stories over cafecito. Quinta’s voice is so warm and real—you can practically hear her typing away as she shares memories of Nana Conchita, Lola, and the four blossoms. Each character is quirky and unforgettable (I mean, Orquídea...Classic).

The road trip to Magdalena de Kino is wild and heartfelt at the same time. There’s laughter, confessions, and plenty of chaos, but underneath it all is this beautiful thread of healing and reconciliation. I found myself both chuckling and tearing up as Quinta confronted her past and her “espantos.”

What really stuck with me is how the book celebrates memory, culture, and the strength of women—without ever feeling heavy-handed. It’s messy, vibrant, and deeply human, just like family itself. Honestly, I didn’t want it to end.

If you’re into multigenerational stories with heart, humor, and a touch of the miraculous, this one’s a gem.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting and authentic voice of Chicanos of the Southwest. Part memoir and part fiction, this book leaves readers wondering, guessing what the author actually endured - hoping they are right or wrong depending on the details! Heartfelt and sometimes heart-breaking, funny, and sad. It’s just over 600 pages but worth the dedication.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only got halfway through this book. I really enjoyed mostly because it is set in Tucson but it is very long and a series of vignettes. It would also help if you spoke Spanish since a lot is in Spanish and although some of the meanings are indicated by the author I think you are losing a lot.