A review by soundlysmitten
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez

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.
 
For those who have already read the story, the only thing I felt was lacking is consequences for Dick. But it doesn't often play out that way, does it?
 

Thank you Xóchitl González & Flatiron Books for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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