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javafenn's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
I want to start off by saying the narration is phenomenal! Especially Olga’s. There was so much growth for both Olga and her brother Prieto and the end left you satisfied. The whole book was a roller coaster of emotions and drama. It was great to see a perspective of New York from the eyes of Puerto Ricans. You get a feel for the culture and the familial ties they carry plus the racism and stigma they face as Americans to a foreign land that also happens to be American.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Colonisation
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Homophobia, Infertility, Racism, Toxic relationship, Abortion, and Outing
chambersaurusrx's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Sexual assault
Moderate: Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Violence, and Death of parent
gem114's review against another edition
emotional
medium-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
5.0
I got this book from the library to read with a group on Bookstagram, and I almost returned it without even cracking the spine. I just didn't get around to it. Ultimately, I decided to binge it the night before our book club discussion, library fine be damned, and I am so glad I did. I will say that I spent a lot of the book frustrated with one character or another and some of it downright outraged.
I loved Olga, flaws and all, and (most of) her family. Despite my frustration and outrage, I still wanted to give the book a hug when I finished it.
I loved Olga, flaws and all, and (most of) her family. Despite my frustration and outrage, I still wanted to give the book a hug when I finished it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Colonisation
Moderate: Addiction, Misogyny, Violence, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Drug abuse, Infertility, Rape, Suicide, and Abortion
bookdragon217's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
"His Papi had always told him that the United States made Puerto Rico's handcuffs, but it was other Puerto Ricans who helped put them on."
Papi wasn't lying and Papi was probably the wisest character in the entire book. I wanted more of Papi, period.
I've been holding off on reading Olga Dies Dreaming because I wanted my own experience with it, raw and untainted. The marketing on this one is misleading. The description of the show is more accurate in that it's about two siblings living in gentrified Brooklyn.
The beginning introduced me to lots of characters, mostly unlikable which I don't ever mind as long as it's leading somewhere. The first half felt like the soup was brewing but I didn't need the sazon, adobo, sofrito and the achiote at the same time. I don't fault the author for this but the editor dropped the ball because it felt a little too messy. However, Xochitl's ability to portray Brooklyn as its own character was brilliant. That was the journey that felt the most real to me. The character of Blanca was one of my favorites because she was the most developed and spoke so honestly about being Puerto Rican, expectations of women and motherhood and rips the bandaid off to uncover the true status of Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican history and social commentary sprinkled throughout the pages is what gave this book its' unique flavor and why it is such a necessary read at this time.
The second half of the book completely boiled over and shifts the focus to a dark plot about Hurricane Maria, neocolonialism, revolution, corporate greed and violence in various forms. I felt triggered and disoriented because it was not a smooth transition but then again the U.S. violently occupied Puerto Rico, refuses to leave and continues to commit all types of genocide on the people of the island. To see the POV of the white rich people that continue to steal our land and livelihood is one that you often don't see in books today. Bravo to Xochitl for being bold in that choice.
Although, this book felt like two different books at the same time I appreciated what it had to say about motherhood, colonialism, liberation and gentrification.
To be clear, I did not hate this book. I think it is timely and necessary and speaks boldly about Puerto Rican history that has completely either been erased or whitewashed. I do think it offers much value. However, I would be remiss if I did not point out where this book had moments of insensitivity and got cringey.
This novel takes place in contemporary NY and the language choices around substance use, HIV awareness and sexual assault did not sit right with me because the instances added to more stigma rather than provide insight and empathy. It read like language that has been historically been used by elite Whites especially, to further marginalize certain groups and dehumanize them. Papi was repeatedly called a "junkie" or "crackhead" and dehumanized with no exploration into his backstop. His identity was that of having AIDS and being a drug user. The use of the word "AIDS" in such a violent way by several characters was off putting especially in the ways it was being weaponzied by the characters in 2017 setting. I see what the intent was but because the issues stayed surface level nothing new new was added to the narratives about substance use and HIV. In fact, it didn't even build empathy for the character who was most affected. Papi definitely didn't deserve that treatment as well. Therr is also a sexual assault that was also hard to read because of the choices that were made. It felt like the abuser got to walk away without repercussions and made it feel like dramatic effect only.
This novel takes place in contemporary NY and the language choices around substance use, HIV awareness and sexual assault did not sit right with me because the instances added to more stigma rather than provide insight and empathy. It read like language that has been historically been used by elite Whites especially, to further marginalize certain groups and dehumanize them. Papi was repeatedly called a "junkie" or "crackhead" and dehumanized with no exploration into his backstop. His identity was that of having AIDS and being a drug user. The use of the word "AIDS" in such a violent way by several characters was off putting especially in the ways it was being weaponzied by the characters in 2017 setting. I see what the intent was but because the issues stayed surface level nothing new new was added to the narratives about substance use and HIV. In fact, it didn't even build empathy for the character who was most affected. Papi definitely didn't deserve that treatment as well. Therr is also a sexual assault that was also hard to read because of the choices that were made. It felt like the abuser got to walk away without repercussions and made it feel like dramatic effect only.
After all is said and done, Olga Dies Dreaming is effective in shedding light on the history of Puerto Rico and U.S. relations. It makes you reflect on how mainland Puerto Ricans can be complicit and how important it is for Puerto Ricans on the island be the ones who determine their fate and future. I commend Xochitl for such an undertaking and I will definitely be reading her future books. My final thoughts on this one are to read the book, heed the trigger warnings and don't be afraid to have the critical.conversations that this one will spark. Thanks to @flatironbooks for the gifted book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Infertility, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Abortion, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Colonisation
nini23's review against another edition
3.75
From the first chapter involving linen napkins at a posh wedding, we are introduced to Olga's acerbic wit, verve and sharp business sense. Hulu has ordered a one hour pilot of Olga Dies Dreaming and I hope that whoever is picked to depict Olga shows her cynicism and stylishness with vulnerability underneath well.
Olga Dies Dreaming is also a love letter to Brooklyn, New York specifically Sunset Park where the protagonists Nuyorican brother Prieto and sister Olga grew up in. Neighbourhoods, streets and local businesses are lovingly and nostalgically described. Prieto is the local politician of the area, through him the clashing interests of conglomerates cashing in on gentrification versus the old inhabitants and vendors of the Puerto Rican and POC community plays out. We are also introduced to the large boisterous extended family of tías, tíos, primas, abuelita such that by the end, we feel we know each of them personally. Spanish nestles comfortably and naturally amidst English in conversations and letters, the latter being the main way the siblings' mother communicates with them.
This mother abandoned them to their father and ggrandmother's care to join revolutionary socialist groups such as the Young Lords and zapatistas. I have yet to read a book where a woman who detests motherhood and feels it constrains her is not vilified and this book is no different. Thus here women are relegated to having the 'mothering gene' or not, with clear biased judgment on who's good and bad. Nurturing, cooking, focus on family - good. Following one's passion, having ideals, neglecting family, wanting to change the world, becoming an exceptional person - bad and 'selfish.' In certain fields, to rise to the top and make a mark on human history, one has to be single-minded in the pursuit of the goal. Women have been sold a rotten bill of goods that they can have it all and consequently, try to be all. Thus the novel does a odd sideways split where the cause and injustices that Puerto Ricans have endured is championed but the woman fighting fervently for their cause is condemned as deranged and manipulative. Her disinterest in her granddaughter is highlighted in the family as the ultimate evidence of her 'crimes.' The novel makes sure to stress that even when the cause succeeds in Puerto Rico, it's not due to her efforts but grassroots community, thus ensuring that what she invested her time and passion in is in vain while the all important la familia she SHOULD have chosen has their heartwarming bonding moments. This simplistic reduction of womanhood will translate well onto the screen /s.
The events and issues that Puerto Rico faces featured in the book are non-fictional and likely unknown to most Americans: the fight for statehood (can enroll in wars but cannot vote), PROMESA, corporations exploiting tax free status, abysmal response for disaster support post-Hurricane Maria, the uncovering of contemptuous emails of the governor forced to resign from community fury etc. While Pietro and Olga are wrestling with the maelstrom of their personal lives, Hurricane Maria lands with its widespread destruction on the island. Power lost, homes destroyed, lack of drinking water and medication. Lackluster help from the mainland is compounded by a childish tantrum visit from the orange menace. I still remember shaking my head in disbelief at that time reading newspapers of his ridiculous fight with the mayor. The resilience and stoicism of the Puerto Rican people rings true though a large number also moved to the mainland due to lack of public facilities on the island.
Of the many themes and issues in the book, I feel that queerness is given short shrift. When a character finally comes out of the closet after many years, his family nonchalantly says we knew all along and accepts it with equanimity. Minimal fallout too at his job where he had made major sacrifices to keep his secret. It minimizes the anguish and justification for him to have stayed hidden all these years. An anticlimactic 'aren't you silly with all your worries, see, everything's fine after you came out' vibe. The doctor instructs him 'not to sulk' while waiting for his HIV test result. Another gay character is tsk tsked for committing suicide after learning he is HIV positive. There are so many effective treatments now, it's not the life sentence it once was, the non-queer characters say. Meanwhile, a lesbian aunt is content to stay silent all her life without coming out while fulfilling her cooking and nurturing role in the family.
Where the book shines is with Olga and the racism, sexism and misogyny that Latinx women like her face. White wealthy Americans are happy to have her as their upscale wedding planner as long as she stays within her ascribed role. They drop her like a hot potato once she shows her 'spicy' side. Dick (appropriately named), Olga's somewhat love interest, may be written simplistically but his behaviour is typical of his kind. Matteo, on the other hand, is written like a Harlequin romance character. Even his 'flaw' which is hoarding turns out to be endearing and helpful to Olga. In typical romance book fashion, he reveals he is actually quite wealthy contrary to his scruffy appearance but his wealth comes from a good stream, not the capitalist exploiting kind /s. He's a neighbourhood hero rescuing them all from gentrification! This male hero swooping rescue minimizes the financial ramifications for Olga in speaking her truth.
The personality traits of Olga and Pietro are rather gender subversive with Pietro being the people pleaser and Olga the sassy fearless one. However, I was disappointed that Olga's relationship commitmophobia is attributed to the typical 'don't know how to love because didn't receive love while growing up.' Her hard exterior covers a lonely scared woman. Pietro's character development arc is also similarly predictable. Both are screwed up because evil mami didn't stay and sacrifice her dreams for them. Papi, however, is given a pass because alcoholism, AIDS, IV drug use.
Olga Dies Dreaming is compulsively readable and highlights important issues that Americans should know about.
Interview with the author: https://www.thecommononline.org/reclaiming-brooklyn-and-puerto-rico-an-interview-with-xochitl-gonzalez/
Olga Dies Dreaming is also a love letter to Brooklyn, New York specifically Sunset Park where the protagonists Nuyorican brother Prieto and sister Olga grew up in. Neighbourhoods, streets and local businesses are lovingly and nostalgically described. Prieto is the local politician of the area, through him the clashing interests of conglomerates cashing in on gentrification versus the old inhabitants and vendors of the Puerto Rican and POC community plays out. We are also introduced to the large boisterous extended family of tías, tíos, primas, abuelita such that by the end, we feel we know each of them personally. Spanish nestles comfortably and naturally amidst English in conversations and letters, the latter being the main way the siblings' mother communicates with them.
This mother abandoned them to their father and ggrandmother's care to join revolutionary socialist groups such as the Young Lords and zapatistas. I have yet to read a book where a woman who detests motherhood and feels it constrains her is not vilified and this book is no different. Thus here women are relegated to having the 'mothering gene' or not, with clear biased judgment on who's good and bad. Nurturing, cooking, focus on family - good. Following one's passion, having ideals, neglecting family, wanting to change the world, becoming an exceptional person - bad and 'selfish.' In certain fields, to rise to the top and make a mark on human history, one has to be single-minded in the pursuit of the goal. Women have been sold a rotten bill of goods that they can have it all and consequently, try to be all. Thus the novel does a odd sideways split where the cause and injustices that Puerto Ricans have endured is championed but the woman fighting fervently for their cause is condemned as deranged and manipulative. Her disinterest in her granddaughter is highlighted in the family as the ultimate evidence of her 'crimes.' The novel makes sure to stress that even when the cause succeeds in Puerto Rico, it's not due to her efforts but grassroots community, thus ensuring that what she invested her time and passion in is in vain while the all important la familia she SHOULD have chosen has their heartwarming bonding moments. This simplistic reduction of womanhood will translate well onto the screen /s.
The events and issues that Puerto Rico faces featured in the book are non-fictional and likely unknown to most Americans: the fight for statehood (can enroll in wars but cannot vote), PROMESA, corporations exploiting tax free status, abysmal response for disaster support post-Hurricane Maria, the uncovering of contemptuous emails of the governor forced to resign from community fury etc. While Pietro and Olga are wrestling with the maelstrom of their personal lives, Hurricane Maria lands with its widespread destruction on the island. Power lost, homes destroyed, lack of drinking water and medication. Lackluster help from the mainland is compounded by a childish tantrum visit from the orange menace. I still remember shaking my head in disbelief at that time reading newspapers of his ridiculous fight with the mayor. The resilience and stoicism of the Puerto Rican people rings true though a large number also moved to the mainland due to lack of public facilities on the island.
Of the many themes and issues in the book, I feel that queerness is given short shrift. When a character finally comes out of the closet after many years, his family nonchalantly says we knew all along and accepts it with equanimity. Minimal fallout too at his job where he had made major sacrifices to keep his secret. It minimizes the anguish and justification for him to have stayed hidden all these years. An anticlimactic 'aren't you silly with all your worries, see, everything's fine after you came out' vibe. The doctor instructs him 'not to sulk' while waiting for his HIV test result. Another gay character is tsk tsked for committing suicide after learning he is HIV positive. There are so many effective treatments now, it's not the life sentence it once was, the non-queer characters say. Meanwhile, a lesbian aunt is content to stay silent all her life without coming out while fulfilling her cooking and nurturing role in the family.
Where the book shines is with Olga and the racism, sexism and misogyny that Latinx women like her face. White wealthy Americans are happy to have her as their upscale wedding planner as long as she stays within her ascribed role. They drop her like a hot potato once she shows her 'spicy' side. Dick (appropriately named), Olga's somewhat love interest, may be written simplistically but his behaviour is typical of his kind. Matteo, on the other hand, is written like a Harlequin romance character. Even his 'flaw' which is hoarding turns out to be endearing and helpful to Olga. In typical romance book fashion, he reveals he is actually quite wealthy contrary to his scruffy appearance but his wealth comes from a good stream, not the capitalist exploiting kind /s. He's a neighbourhood hero rescuing them all from gentrification! This male hero swooping rescue minimizes the financial ramifications for Olga in speaking her truth.
The personality traits of Olga and Pietro are rather gender subversive with Pietro being the people pleaser and Olga the sassy fearless one. However, I was disappointed that Olga's relationship commitmophobia is attributed to the typical 'don't know how to love because didn't receive love while growing up.' Her hard exterior covers a lonely scared woman. Pietro's character development arc is also similarly predictable. Both are screwed up because evil mami didn't stay and sacrifice her dreams for them. Papi, however, is given a pass because alcoholism, AIDS, IV drug use.
Olga Dies Dreaming is compulsively readable and highlights important issues that Americans should know about.
Interview with the author: https://www.thecommononline.org/reclaiming-brooklyn-and-puerto-rico-an-interview-with-xochitl-gonzalez/
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, and Rape
Minor: Alcoholism, Drug use, Suicide, and Death of parent
soundlysmitten's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
I loved this story to bits. Olga is the best heroine I could imagine following in this time. She is unapologetically herself and her relationship with her family—especially how she was with her abuelita/is with her brother Prieto—is heartwarming in the realest way. Also, the romance she has had me sighing at times without ever being over the top. And I was glad for the emphasis on each person becoming self motivated to heal their own past wounds. That it’s not another false “I’ve been walking around with loads of issues but now that I’ve found you (and you’re so wonderful) I’m all better” narrative. But most impressively, in my opinion, Olga inspires essential discussions around family and identity while also broaching a number of issues which have long gone unacknowledged by those with the kind of privilege which allows for the closing of their hearts and eyes.
Take the impact of gentrification, as examined in this story. It can be overwhelming and upsetting to think about, but it’s a necessary conversation. Local people shouldn’t be the only ones who care about local lives. As the book describes happening in Puerto Rico, foreigners with money are constantly displacing locals all over the place by pricing them out of land they have no right to. And it seems whack for that to not even register as wrong to some people. You know, I understand the urge to withdraw into the issues of your own community only. Sometimes that alone can feel like too much. But I think it’s important to recognize a continual need to broaden your awareness of what others are up against, and I so appreciate this novel as a lens through which to do that. Growing up, I was taught to be outraged over the illegal overthrow and annexation of my home. But I have never stopped to think about how things differ for Puerto Rico and other places the U.S. has deemed territories, but not states. In referencing a myriad of things the U.S. has done to/failed to do for Puerto Rico, this book has sparked in me a drive to pay better attention and find greater ways to stand in solidarity.
Thank you Xóchitl González & Flatiron Books for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Grief
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Colonisation
Minor: Addiction, Drug abuse, Sexual assault, Suicide, Abortion, Death of parent, and Outing