What are the themes and topics of the novel Soledad by Angie Cruz?

Perhaps the main theme of

Soledad is the importance of family and community. Soledad is
delighted to
escape both for what she regards as a better life and returns to
West 164th Street only under
pressure when she is told that her mother has
fallen into a deep depression and Soledad's
presence is the one thing that
might save her. The novel describes a tough but close community
and a similar
dynamic within Soledad's family, at least among the women, since the father
is
abusive. Another theme, obviously linked to the first, is the solidarity
and endurance of women
in the face of male violence and treachery. The major
characters, Olivia, Soledad, Gorda and
Flaca, are all women.

Two other themes are suggested by the title. One is the
immigrant,
Spanish-speaking Dominican community in Washington Heights and their experience
of
New York City, which seems like a difference country or a different world
from the East Village,
where Soledad thinks she has escaped. The other is the
meaning of Soledad's name,
"loneliness," which, despite ties of family and
community, affects all the major
characters in the
book.