Scan barcode
librarydancer's review
DNF. I don't know if the issue was the translation, but this book seemed to *tell*, rather than show. I didn't last very long.
saraj0211's review
3.5
It's okay for me. Not good not bad.
For
⊂_ヽ Me
＼＼ Λ＿Λ
＼( ˇωˇ)
> ⌒ヽ
/ へ＼
/ / ＼＼Ok
ﾚ ノ ヽ_つ
/ /
( (ヽ
| |、＼
| 丿 ＼ ⌒)
| | ) /
ノ ) Lﾉ
(_／
For
⊂_ヽ Me
＼＼ Λ＿Λ
＼( ˇωˇ)
> ⌒ヽ
/ へ＼
/ / ＼＼Ok
ﾚ ノ ヽ_つ
/ /
( (ヽ
| |、＼
| 丿 ＼ ⌒)
| | ) /
ノ ) Lﾉ
(_／
booksrachelreads's review
3.0
This was really interesting and taught me some about recent-ish political situations in Chile. A unique perspective of a child in exile in another country and I liked seeing the events of the book through the eyes of a child. There was also a touch of adventure/magical realism. I think this book to me just felt really long and like it tried to cover too much so I didn’t end up loving it. Still would probably be a good resources for younger kids wanting to learn about political refugees and the situations that lead to them
towardinfinitybooks's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-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? No
3.75
I enjoyed this MG novel about a young Chilean girl coming of age and experiencing exile during the days of a dictatorship in her country. The language is lyrical and vibrant (kudos to the translator!) and themes of family, friendship, bravery, and identity are conveyed well.
However, the book is less successful from a historical fiction perspective. The author should have included an afterword to explain her choices in artistic license and provide historical context. For instance, the Chilean president in 1973 was Allende not Alarcón and Pinochet's military dictatorship lasted 17 years not two years.
I appreciate that the author did not shy away from themes like the "disappeared", oppression, and poverty. But there is no mention about how the coup came about and the involvement of the United States and the CIA. The book was published 14 years after the CIA admitted their active support so it would have been known at that point. While inclusion of these details may not make sense in the first-person narrative o a young girl as the protagonist, it is needed in an afterword so targeted readers understand and learn about the actual events of Chilean history.
However, the book is less successful from a historical fiction perspective. The author should have included an afterword to explain her choices in artistic license and provide historical context. For instance, the Chilean president in 1973 was Allende not Alarcón and Pinochet's military dictatorship lasted 17 years not two years.
I appreciate that the author did not shy away from themes like the "disappeared", oppression, and poverty. But there is no mention about how the coup came about and the involvement of the United States and the CIA. The book was published 14 years after the CIA admitted their active support so it would have been known at that point. While inclusion of these details may not make sense in the first-person narrative o a young girl as the protagonist, it is needed in an afterword so targeted readers understand and learn about the actual events of Chilean history.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Racism, Police brutality, and Classism
kingkiara's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-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? No
4.0
Audible read. Great voiceactors.
This was so great and meaningful to experience in so many ways. The world building is fantastic and felt like i was traveling with her. The characters were so multi layered with the depth of an onion in a well. Beautiful depiction of such a difficult time within a genuinely believable child's lens.
I only wish the timeline was a bit more clear as to exactly when this was comparatively taking place fictionally versus historically in chile.
Abuela Frida is actually an icon!
Also Tia Graciela, querida, come back even if it's just to visit please!
This was so great and meaningful to experience in so many ways. The world building is fantastic and felt like i was traveling with her. The characters were so multi layered with the depth of an onion in a well. Beautiful depiction of such a difficult time within a genuinely believable child's lens.
I only wish the timeline was a bit more clear as to exactly when this was comparatively taking place fictionally versus historically in chile.
Abuela Frida is actually an icon!
Also Tia Graciela, querida, come back even if it's just to visit please!
dsbressette's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
enajait's review against another edition
5.0
I first read this book when I was 11 and have reread it many times since.
The language is so poetic and beautiful and there is not a single aspect of this book that I do not love. It’s hard to find the words to describe such a book, all I can say is that it is without a doubt one of my all time favourites. 5/5 stars
The language is so poetic and beautiful and there is not a single aspect of this book that I do not love. It’s hard to find the words to describe such a book, all I can say is that it is without a doubt one of my all time favourites. 5/5 stars