A review by carmentxx
Elena Knows by Claudia Piñeiro

dark emotional sad 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

4.75

this book really surprised me. piñeiro is a really excellent writer. the crux of the novel had my jaw drop open. the narrow minded view of the narrator is incredibly done to the point that you experience the same shock that she does upon multiple revelations. the descriptions of parkinson’s are truly excellent, elena is a very interesting protagonist and all the characters felt fleshed out with their personal lives, which is particularly impressive since the entire novel occurs over less than a 6 hour period and is not long. a truly excellently written book. not 5 stars as i didn’t necessarily enjoy it hugely, but still a good read. 
the reveal of isabel refusing to help her was an incredible twist. her pained descriptions of her forced pregnancy are described in line with the distance and trauma she feels about the pregnancy. i also appreciate the inclusion of the gay father being a horrible man. too often gay people are reduced to good people, when in reality being good or bad is nothing to do with your sexuality. the final third of the novel really shocks.
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