The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
hannah_lilli's review against another edition
- 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
thenovelmaura's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Graphic: Misogyny and Trafficking
Moderate: Violence and Gun violence
Minor: Xenophobia
alisoun's review against another edition
- 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
I also loved that Yola was a total bitch. Absolutely love that for a main character! We don't see enough of them!!!Â
Trinidad was also so well written and described (for me never having been there!).Â
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.Â
It does have some fade to black sex scenes and some sexual scenes. So on page fcking though.Â
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.Â
Moderate: Racism, Gun violence, Violence, Trafficking, Blood, Pregnancy, Xenophobia, and Adult/minor relationship
ruthjenkins's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
2.5
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Gun violence and Xenophobia
ecobookworm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
There were many things I enjoyed about this story, as we follow the Palacio family and their trials under the whims of the gangster Ugly, specifically from the perspective of 24-year-old Yola. The family dynamics were poignant at times and hilarious at others, with a connection that held them together through everything. They had their struggles but remained determined to make it work. Yola's grief for and connection with her aunt Celia was moving, and Celia's memoirs were a brilliant addition to the story. The romance side-plot was a bit of a head-scratcher sometimes but overall I did enjoy seeing Yola and Roman's burgeoning romance and their escapades, though their immediate attraction did come across as insta-love-y at times. The Trinidadian setting was vivid and well-rendered in a way that made me feel nostalgic for home, especially all the descriptions of culture, food and celebrations. The fast-paced developments and plot twists make for highly entertaining reading, and the climax was absolutely captivating. I also appreciated the conclusion, as it was open-ended in a way that did justice to the story and made for a satisfying resolution to the year.
The Venezuelan refugee situation in Trinidad is fraught and troubled, and I was curious to see how that would be illustrated here. In some ways, I did enjoy it, as it showed the difficulties faced by Venezuelans in Trinidad, the prejudices and limitations, the dreams they still hold despite their difficult experiences, and all the changes from the life they've had to leave behind. But it also seemed to downplay it in some ways, as the Palacios still seem to enjoy a pretty good lifestyle that doesn't really reflect the news and stories I've seen on the refugee situation. Of course it's possible that the author is a lot more familiar with the situation through her translation work, but it doesn't mesh with the type of exploitation and struggles that I've heard a lot more of.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the description of the Palacios young women, which left me really uncomfortable at times. They're oversexualized to a degree that's almost ridiculous, with gratuitous descriptions of their breasts, legs and backsides, and even memorably a brief description of Yola's own genitalia. How was that necessary?!Â
Despite these concerns, overall I did really enjoy this read and would recommend it. There's a passage near the end, where Yola is reflecting on experiences of loss and memory and how they change over time, that was deeply moving and resonated with me. And though some may take issue with the dark humour laced throughout, I agree with the author that sometimes laughter is the best salve in difficult situations.
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Sexual content
scarletellajones's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Minor: Gun violence, Violence, and Hate crime