A review by serendipitysbooks
Come Together, Fall Apart by Cristina Henríquez

reflective medium-paced

3.5

 Come Together, Fall Apart is a collection of eight short stories and a novella, all set in Panama during the late 1980s. This was a period of much instability due to the American led overthrow of Noriega. However, with the exception of one story, the political situation doesn’t get a lot of attention. Instead the focus is more personal. Many stories focus on the family and romantic relationships of everyday Panamanians, especially the trials women face as a result of their husbands, fathers and boyfriends. In many ways the plots and themes are universal but the setting of Panama is always subtly evident, whether it be the beauty but menace of the tropical rain forest, the religious processions, the food or simply the crowded streets. An enjoyable, well-written collection.