juliagulia330's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
afox98's review against another edition
5.0
What a story. Big Angel, the patriarch of a large Mexican immigrant family, is turning 70 and is wracked with cancer. He knows he doesn't have much time so plans a huge last birthday party. But his mother dies at 100 just prior to the party, so everyone must get through the funeral first. Spanning just a few days, this book is sweet, harsh, sad, funny, beautiful, uncomfortable, and heartwarming. The interactions of the multiple generations of the sprawling family and each of their perspectives on major life events in their shared and separate histories present an all-encompassing view into what complex family life is really like. Some of it was relatable, some of it wasn't, but I laughed, cried, felt despair, and felt hope throughout. One of the best books I've read this year, and it will stay with me for a while.
nglofile's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. Squarely in the realm of I can appreciate the book more than I might like it, though my opinion has grown after discussion and after weeks of continuing to consider. That alone says something: I've been thinking about both story and writing often since finishing. That's an impact I have to honor.
As a multi-generational story of family and dynamic, it succeeds equally as glimpse of a specific experience and as evocation of the universal. I wasn't a fan of the instances of vulgarity or crassness, but they did speak to the story world, and I have to ponder why I find that easier to accept in visual stories than in written. I am also unresolved on whether the comparatively minor and flat characterization of the few female characters was intended to make a point or simply a weakness of the author, but the fact I can make a case either way is intriguing.
I am even more resolved to read more from this writer, and I'm confident that like or dislike, it will be a beautiful and worthwhile journey.
audiobook note: I'm not generally a fan of author narration (outside of a few notable exceptions), but the narration was an integral part of my reading experience. As I was toggling between print and audio, often using one to reread and reinforce the other, Urrea's voice, even if only in my mind, enhanced the lyricism of the prose. His technical skill may not equal those for whom this is a profession, but in a way the slight gaps and variances grounded the storytelling in a way that I didn't anticipate.
As a multi-generational story of family and dynamic, it succeeds equally as glimpse of a specific experience and as evocation of the universal. I wasn't a fan of the instances of vulgarity or crassness, but they did speak to the story world, and I have to ponder why I find that easier to accept in visual stories than in written. I am also unresolved on whether the comparatively minor and flat characterization of the few female characters was intended to make a point or simply a weakness of the author, but the fact I can make a case either way is intriguing.
I am even more resolved to read more from this writer, and I'm confident that like or dislike, it will be a beautiful and worthwhile journey.
audiobook note: I'm not generally a fan of author narration (outside of a few notable exceptions), but the narration was an integral part of my reading experience. As I was toggling between print and audio, often using one to reread and reinforce the other, Urrea's voice, even if only in my mind, enhanced the lyricism of the prose. His technical skill may not equal those for whom this is a profession, but in a way the slight gaps and variances grounded the storytelling in a way that I didn't anticipate.
lexirtaylor2's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
k80_jack's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
nordstina's review against another edition
medium-paced
3.5
A large extended family gets together for both a funeral and a birthday in The House of Broken Angels, which I enjoyed. I will say I spend much of this book trying to connect how each person was related to one another. Big Angel is sick and approaching the end, so he wanted to throw one final birthday bash for himself. In the lead up, his mother dies. The extended family (with all the drama) comes together to celebrate the life of both of them and old feuds arise. This was an engaging tale, and Urrea is a great writer. Will have to explore more.
ellenreading_theend's review against another edition
5.0
What’s better than a family saga full of complicated people who deeply love each other in messy ways? Nothing. I feel so much tenderness for these characters after the journey with them. There were moments I learned from, moments I related to, and so many moments that made me emotional. I’m so glad I bought this years ago and remembered it when I saw it on a list from @2bookornot2book — it was a journey I’d gladly go on again and again.
abeljquintero's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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? It's complicated
4.0
matthewchoi's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.5
lisagreen65's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5