Reviews

Anche noi l'America by Cristina Henríquez

Only show reviews with written explanations

takiareads's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-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

5.0

nglofile's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

A moving novel made up of concentric stories coloring the lives, losses, and loves that make us human. Depiction of diversity, even within the Latino communities, rings fresh and true. Especially strong was the representation of a special needs teen and her family's efforts to make the best decisions for her. Family dynamics, consequences of choices, and the ongoing struggle against societal obstacles were explored with authenticity and insight.

Quibbles: Even when I'm actively trying to avoid stories about young male coming-of-age issues, I can't escape them. Surely there are other stories to be told. Also, I'm beyond over plotlines which could be easily resolved with a single conversation rather than prolonging a secret for no good reason.

audiobook note: Exceptional casting and equally immersive performances across the board. Each narrator brings nuance and a range of emotions that vividly conjures the characters before our ~~eyes~~ ears.

elliemcc11's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This is the story of immigration and emigration. At heart a love story, but also an exploration of the lives of those moving to a new country, and the challenges of settling in.

Set in Delaware, it tells the story of a series of individuals living in an apartment block. They are all originally from central and south America, and all have come to north to improve their lives (emotionally, financially, intellectually).

The main focus of the story are a Mexican couple and their daughter. She was injured in an accident and they come north to seek an education to help rebuild her after her brain damage. She meets a boy in the apartment block and he doesn't judge her and consequently in her happiness (and love) she grows and her memories and joie de vivre return. A boy from another part of town taunts her and it eventually leads to a confrontation.

Spoiler

Whilst I really enjoyed the book I found it came quite suddenly to an end. One minute Mayor was driving in a snowstorm and the next chapter Arturo was dead of gun shot wounds. The story line wasn't really built upon. Maybe it was the point of the book, maybe it was more about friendship and forgiveness than a crime scene.

Overall I did enjoy this book. In reality it's a 3.5 rather than a 3 because I thought the characterisation strong, but possibly some aspects of the story were dealt with rather fast.

kellymc03's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Loved this book ! Amazing immigrant stories woven around an apartment building - but with a story of one particular family as well.

appletonkelli's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This is a beautiful story about families, and love, and immigration, and desperation. It's about leaving, and arriving, and going back home.

tishreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I really loved how the author brought together so many different storylines into a cohesive yet diverse novel. It was a reminder of the vast array of immigrant experiences being lived by those often lumped together as Hispanic or Latino.