kshertz's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This one took me a while to read because it was so heavy. I definitely loved the whole plot. The idea that someone would be caught trying to cross the border and then used in an experiment is not far-fetched. The idea that it would be used to relieve grief from luckier more privileged people and put that grief on people who are not born in the US seems like something that could totally happen. I think that’s what made it so sad. I do love the love story that unfolds and I love the ending. It’s much happier than I would imagine but I still think it’s an excellent book to read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Deportation, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Child death, Death, Grief, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Lesbophobia, Racism, and Violence
kassielovestoread's review against another edition
emotional
sad
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? No
4.5
I think The Grief Keeper was such an important story for me to read. It was a difficult read- the themes explored in this novel are heartbreaking. Nevertheless I'm glad to have read this book!
Marisol has one plan: survive. So she and Gabi can live a better life in the United States. Her strength was unparalleled! She survived a horrible, would-be tragic fate by fleeing her country to arrive in the US. Throughout the novel I rooted the hardest for Marisol. I can't imagine what it must be like, to leave your country with absolute fear that your life is in jeopardy, with a small child when you yourself are also a child! It's unimaginable to me but that doesn't mean it has not/is not happening to innumerable immigrants. This is the type of novel that schools need to introduce to their students as required reading.
Marisol has one plan: survive. So she and Gabi can live a better life in the United States. Her strength was unparalleled! She survived a horrible, would-be tragic fate by fleeing her country to arrive in the US. Throughout the novel I rooted the hardest for Marisol. I can't imagine what it must be like, to leave your country with absolute fear that your life is in jeopardy, with a small child when you yourself are also a child! It's unimaginable to me but that doesn't mean it has not/is not happening to innumerable immigrants. This is the type of novel that schools need to introduce to their students as required reading.
lena_3103's review
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
4.0
dreaminginsalvi's review against another edition
5.0
truly loved this book and am super grateful I found it. I don’t often find stories about immigration that get it right, and I felt so seen in these pages ❤️ it’s crazy to think I stumbled upon this book at a book store in LA drawn in by the beautiful cover!
capesandcovers's review against another edition
4.0
I received an ARC from Penguin in exchange for an honest review, thank you for the opportunity! This in no way affected my review.
The Grief Keeper was something I had picked up on a whim at a con without knowing anything about it, and I'm so glad I did. The story follows the story of two sisters fleeing their country and immigrating to the United States, and the struggles they faced.
It was difficult to read at times, because of all of the terrible things that Marisol and Gabi had to live through, and knowing that those were experiences that real people have to face everyday. It was something that tends to be skipped over when immigration comes up in conversation, and it was an eye opening perspective. Their bond was really realistic and sweet, but not the point where they didn't have disagreements.
I'm not really sure what else to write about it to be honest, other than that it's a beautiful, tragic story about love and hope. Also, it's a slowburn F/F, and the romance is done so well. It's sweet and friendship like at first, slowly becoming something more.
If you've considered picking this up at all, or even if you haven't, please give it a chance! I read almost the whole thing in one sitting once I got started, I was completely wrapped up in it.
The Grief Keeper was something I had picked up on a whim at a con without knowing anything about it, and I'm so glad I did. The story follows the story of two sisters fleeing their country and immigrating to the United States, and the struggles they faced.
It was difficult to read at times, because of all of the terrible things that Marisol and Gabi had to live through, and knowing that those were experiences that real people have to face everyday. It was something that tends to be skipped over when immigration comes up in conversation, and it was an eye opening perspective. Their bond was really realistic and sweet, but not the point where they didn't have disagreements.
I'm not really sure what else to write about it to be honest, other than that it's a beautiful, tragic story about love and hope. Also, it's a slowburn F/F, and the romance is done so well. It's sweet and friendship like at first, slowly becoming something more.
If you've considered picking this up at all, or even if you haven't, please give it a chance! I read almost the whole thing in one sitting once I got started, I was completely wrapped up in it.
dtalako's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I really didn't expect to give this book such a low rating based on the first part of it, as the premise is really interesting, but... my goodness there is so much wrong with this book. So many unresolved and rushed details, so many problematic characters and characterizations, so much disappointment. The only worthwhile characters are Sol y Gabi, Manny y Olga. The rest are absolutely terrible, beyond the level of terrible-ness they're supposed to have. I definitely liked elements of this book, but if you're reading this review and disagreeing with it... please think critically about what happened in the book. Lots of unresolved plotlines and lots of problematic handling of race/ethnicity/immigration issues should really make you question giving this anything above a 3.
eoiselle's review against another edition
5.0
This book killed me! My gods, what have I been doing with myself!
carolikesbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Homophobia
Moderate: Rape
nqcliteracy's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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? No
4.5
This felt like a book that I’ll not readily forget, as its premise is interesting and relatable and one I wanted to think about / explore hungrily. There was so much to unpack, and so many important themes to uncover with young people. I especially loved the secondary main character. Found her incredibly endearing. And loved the writing- couldn’t believe it was a debut! Poignant and very, very well-written.