debbiecuddy's review
5.0
This is one of the most beautiful and thought provoking novels I've read in a long time. It's an immigrant story and a story of loyalty to family. The narrator, Reina, is a young woman whose life is marked by traumatic events. Her struggle with guilt, grief, loss, and yearning seemed very real. When she meets Nesto, a Cuban refugee, she is drawn to the devotion and love he has for his family in Cuba. The ocean itself seemed like the third major character, ever present, the endless rhythm of the waves taking and giving back, tearing apart and healing.
I enjoyed the imagery and the descriptions of south Florida, Cartagena, and Cuba-I felt transported to those places. I also enjoyed how the author wove aspects of Santeria mysticism into the story.
Reading this on my Kindle added to my enjoyment because I could easily translate Spanish terms that I was not familiar with.
I enjoyed the imagery and the descriptions of south Florida, Cartagena, and Cuba-I felt transported to those places. I also enjoyed how the author wove aspects of Santeria mysticism into the story.
Reading this on my Kindle added to my enjoyment because I could easily translate Spanish terms that I was not familiar with.
kalliegrace's review
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Beautiful and painful and thoughtful. A sister's life during and after her brother lives and dies on death row in Florida. The hardships, generation trauma, broken relationships, and forgiveness that are found in dark and beautiful places. A bit meandering, but still hooks you in until the end.
ofhadria's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bookladybug's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sorrel29's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Abandonment
Minor: Rape, Miscarriage, and Abortion
bookstobechill's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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
4.0
This book is devastating. Does end with a glimmer of hope. This is my third book by Engel, so I wasn’t surprised, but my goodness.
rumaho76's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a very beautifully written exploration of escaping being trapped. Not necessarily physically but by life and it's difficulties. And when free, how difficult it is to feel free.
sbogdanich's review against another edition
4.0
At first I had a hard time with this book, it was relentlessly dark but once Nestor enters I became totally engrossed. I loved learning about Cuban identity & some colloquial Spanish words & phrases from Cuba & Columbia. But my favorite aspect was the connection to water, the ocean, and the animals who live there.
amandalorianxo's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.0
I know this is her backlist but I am so happy that I found this. Such a moving piece about moving on after death and searching for your identity. The immigrant experience is highlighted & the all too real after effects of everyone in Reina and her family were portrayed wonderfully.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide, Death, and Confinement