A review by antoniac
The Storyteller's Death by Ann Dávila Cardinal

emotional hopeful 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? It's complicated

3.75

I wanted to like this more than I did. I really enjoyed the themes of memories and stories being important in families and healing generational trauma, the descriptions of Puerto Rico, and the nuanced almost tender portrayals of family life and the tension it can bring. The magical realism element of the visions was well done and woven nicely in. However the writing style just really didn't do it for me - some of the descriptions felt flat and simple when lyrical language would have just elevated it a little. Also the ending felt a little rushed and too nicely packaged, but maybe that's because I read the 2nd half of the novel in one sitting. Overally definitely worth a read, just not quite 4* worthy.
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