hannah_lilli's review against another edition
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Deportation, Alcoholism, and Alcohol
Moderate: Antisemitism, Medical content, Violence, Trafficking, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Pregnancy, and Grief
Minor: Sexual content
thelovelyjade's review against another edition
dark
funny
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was such a fun read, despite the annoying childish Yola, holy moly. This is a medium paced read and it centers around the situation that immigrants from Venezuela had to go through and lose when they had to run away from the rule of Maduro. It's really sad but the author gave it humor, even if I laughed at a 3 or 5 lines.
The reason why I didn't give it a full 5 is because of the writing style. This is a debut novel so I understand that it won't be a smooth type writing but the long, I don't know what to call it, puns or negative talks you link to a show or actor to make it more funny, breaks the immersion as well as it drags some of the situation.
Though it was much more tolerable when listening to the audiobook. I am happy to get this book and try something outside of my comfort zone.
The reason why I didn't give it a full 5 is because of the writing style. This is a debut novel so I understand that it won't be a smooth type writing but the long, I don't know what to call it, puns or negative talks you link to a show or actor to make it more funny, breaks the immersion as well as it drags some of the situation.
Though it was much more tolerable when listening to the audiobook. I am happy to get this book and try something outside of my comfort zone.
Graphic: Death and Cursing
Moderate: Misogyny, Grief, Slavery, Trafficking, Classism, and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Animal cruelty, Gun violence, Animal death, and Alcoholism
thenovelmaura's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
It took me a long time to decide how to rate this one and I still feel conflicted about my decision. I really enjoyed this quirky story and its hilarious cast of characters. While reading it, I thought the author did an excellent job of conveying the hardships these immigrant families face, and how they can be taken advantage of because they can't go to any authorities for help. However, I was put off by the author's note, which revealed that the author, while Trinidadian, is not Venezuelan like the fictional Palacio family. In retrospect, I should have done more research before picking it up (and in my own defense, they hired a Spanish-speaking narrator for the audiobook, which caused me to let down my guard). Suddenly what I thought were "in jokes" seemed more like punching down, and the internalized misogyny from the main character felt more like a bad stereotype than a critique of the author's own culture. This book left a bad taste in my mouth, but I suppose I should chalk it up to a lesson learned and move on.
Graphic: Misogyny and Trafficking
Moderate: Violence and Gun violence
Minor: Xenophobia
alisoun's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Absolutely loved that this book had a really diverse setting and POV. It was definitely about a big sprawling family and every character was so alive and present in the story. Her Aunt Celia was so vibrant even for being dead! Her manuscript was an entirely different voice which I loved.
I also loved that Yola was a total bitch. Absolutely love that for a main character! We don't see enough of them!!!
Trinidad was also so well written and described (for me never having been there!).
I do think that the end was wrapped up really quickly and easily. I would have liked that to be a bit more drawn out.
It does have some fade to black sex scenes and some sexual scenes. So on page fcking though.
I also feel it wasn't quite the ending I was seeking - I wanted a bit more of a wrap up. It was kind of a happily for now with our main couple but not for the other characters.
I also loved that Yola was a total bitch. Absolutely love that for a main character! We don't see enough of them!!!
Trinidad was also so well written and described (for me never having been there!).
I do think that the end was wrapped up really quickly and easily. I would have liked that to be a bit more drawn out.
It does have some fade to black sex scenes and some sexual scenes. So on page fcking though.
I also feel it wasn't quite the ending I was seeking - I wanted a bit more of a wrap up. It was kind of a happily for now with our main couple but not for the other characters.
Moderate: Racism, Gun violence, Violence, Trafficking, Blood, Pregnancy, Xenophobia, and Adult/minor relationship
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