miekookeim's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Loved Alarcon’s style and his way of weaving small stories at different points in time into something much bigger than any one character. Reminded me in some ways of Anthony Marta’s Constellation of Vital Phenomena, which I realized only after finishing Lost City Radio may be where I learned of the book. I think I may have enjoyed the book more had it been longer.
mattyzmom's review against another edition
3.0
The story is told from my perspectives it seems. The words used are blended beautifully. Alarcon is a wonderful story teller.
emdowd's review against another edition
4.0
It's been a long time since I took any sort of formal literature class but I found myself thinking about how much I would have enjoyed reading this with others.
Book Riot Read Harder 2017 #: Set in Central or South America, by a Central or South American author
Book Riot Read Harder 2017 #: Set in Central or South America, by a Central or South American author
madams12's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars - this was a poignant and interesting novel about the long lasting and devastating impact of civil war in a number of latin American countries, and how often the war ends up hurting those the regime aims to protect. the embodiment of this conversation being a radio show for missing people was a nice touch
pomegranateicecream's review
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Alarcón describes this unnamed Latin American country at war and he brings to life my memories of Bolivia. I never knew Bolivia at war, but I heard stories of difficult times in the 70s of that region. And the people, the attitudes, the city life, is nostalgically familiar. This story captures well how so much can be suppressed out of fear, but also how a war torn community can be unified by a voice, even an imagined personality. How a person can find their voice, their courage, and consider how much fiction is within the histories we create for our own lives. Beautifully woven story and so much to think about. I look forward to reading more by this author.
mbondlamberty's review against another edition
4.0
I've been wanting to read Daniel Alarcón for a while. It took me a while to figure out that he wrote in English and not in Spanish so that was a little bit of a bummer. Throughout the book I kept waiting to hear it in Spanish and hear details of Perú, but it was never directly mentioned though it was obviously (to me at least) hinted at throughout the story. It is true that the actions by the IL and the government mirror events and actions in other countries, but the town that was burnt in the end sounded like so many of the pueblos jovenes on the outskirts of Lima.
I enjoyed the book quite a bit and the ending would be a 5 star in terms of how invested I was at that point. But I give it 4 stars for the middle that like the story meandered.
Though I thoroughly enjoyed it I can't say it was amazing, but possibly because it was too close to home on occasion.
I enjoyed the book quite a bit and the ending would be a 5 star in terms of how invested I was at that point. But I give it 4 stars for the middle that like the story meandered.
Though I thoroughly enjoyed it I can't say it was amazing, but possibly because it was too close to home on occasion.
kristenhanson103's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this book. I think it does a great job portraying the unrest in Latin America through a fictional story. I enjoyed the story line,the main fault I had with the book was how it switched time periods and perspectives in the middle of paragraphs.
Because of this, I would recommend reading the book in a quiet place where you can be engaged with it!
Because of this, I would recommend reading the book in a quiet place where you can be engaged with it!
kiramke's review against another edition
4.0
Thoughtful view into the pervasive personal effects of an oppressive government and a culture of untruth.
cehtempleton's review against another edition
3.0
I'm reading the Spanish translation of this book. We'll see how it goes.