Reviews with content warning for Xenophobia - Olga Dies Dreaming

This is the second book I have read by Xochitl Gonzalez and somehow it lived up to and even surpassed my expectations!
In Olga Dies Dreaming, Gonzalez presents a very diverse set of characters that are flawed, complicated, morally-ambiguous, and reflective while also remaining compelling and inspiriting!
The way that the characters’ histories, motivations, and schemes unravel as the novel progresses is presented through varying perspectives that come with vastly different sets of schemas.
In every chapter I didn’t know who I was supposed to root for, what perspectives to trust, and how just everyone was interconnected.
This novel touches on sensitive topics like familial abandonment and manipulation, impacts of American colonialism on the Puerto Rican population- both on the island and the main land- the impacts of being HIV-positive, and the question of what exactly you’re willing to do to live up to the perceived expectations of those around us.

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rexpostfacto's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional informative reflective tense medium-paced

5.0

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berrypatch's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book was absolutely incredible. Underscored by events in Puerto Rico and the deep sociological tension between a neglectful and manipulate mother and her pining children, Olga Dies Dreaming gives an impactful and informative insight into the impact of community, corruption of power, and pull between expectations and personal fulfillment. I cried many times.

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aninha18's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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haleyshort's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional informative reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I listened to this book, the first audiobook I’ve completed since my Harry Potter days. It was such a wonderful experience, I can’t recommend it enough. It was wonderfully produced and voice acted.

The story itself was stellar. I can’t remember the last contemporary fiction book I’ve read with as much depth and humanity. Every character is flawed and beautiful and complete, with so much growth and vulnerability. I so appreciated the multifaceted political perspective, which has such a difficult balance to strike. I feel so grateful to have been lost in this story for the past week, Olga’s life and challenges and growth shortening my commutes and forcing me to consider the deeper impacts of the pain of colonization and imperialism. Of course I am drawing parallels to the colonial genocide that is happening as we speak, and taking inspiration from the very flawed but incredibly honorable revolutionaries that live through this story. Pallante.

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