The Five Wounds

Kirstin Valdez Quade's debut novel is a gorgeously written, Franzen-calibre tale that brings to life the struggles of five generations of the Padilla family. Amadeo, Angel, Yolanda, and Tío Tive face individual and collective challenges, but Connor, Angel's baby, may be the one to save them from themselves.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Winner of The Center for Fiction's 2021 First Novel Prize, this gorgeously written, Franzen-calibre tale is a must-read for fans of literary fiction. In her vivid, darkly funny, and beautifully rendered debut novel, Kirstin Valdez Quade brings to life the struggles of five generations of the Padilla family. Amadeo, struggling to stay off the bottle, Angel, his pregnant fifteen-year-old daughter, Yolanda, the family matriarch, reeling from a recent discovery, Angel's mother, who Angel isn't speaking to, and Tío Tive, keeper of the family's history. But amid the challenges they face individually and together, it is Connor, Angel's baby, who might just be the one to save the family from themselves.

Amadeo, the patriarch of the Padilla family, is a man struggling with his addiction to alcohol. He is constantly battling his demons, trying to stay sober and provide for his family. Angel, his fifteen-year-old daughter, is pregnant and is facing her own set of challenges. She is trying to navigate the complexities of teenage pregnancy and the expectations of her family. Yolanda, the family matriarch, is a woman who has been through a lot in her life. She is dealing with the recent discovery of a family secret that has shaken her to her core. Angel's mother, who is not speaking to her, is a woman who is dealing with her own set of issues. She is struggling with her own addiction and is trying to reconnect with her daughter. Tío Tive, the keeper of the family's history, is a man who is passionate about preserving the legacy of his family. He is a source of wisdom and guidance for the family, but he is also dealing with his own health issues.

Connor, Angel's baby, is a symbol of hope for the family. He is a bright and curious child who is full of life. He brings joy and laughter to the family, and he has the potential to be a great leader in the future. Despite the challenges they face, the Padilla family is a strong and resilient group. They are committed to supporting each other and working together to overcome their obstacles. They are a family that will never give up, no matter what. In the end, this is a story about the power of love, family, and resilience. It is a testament to the human spirit and the strength of the human heart.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788168380
Edition number: Main