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
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
readwithchar's review against another edition
Graphic: Misogyny and Transphobia
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
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