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A review by n_asyikin_
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
TW: microaggression, racism, teenage motherhood, gaslighting, parental neglect
What a subtly beautiful book. It spoke about how foods & flavours could be central to our being: from our culture, to every day living, & the formation of our memories (i.e., cognitively, acted as cues; similar to the Proustian concept of memory). The thing that I loved most about Emoni was how she tried to make the best out of the situations she found herself in; fighting against prejudices & her own insecurities. The supports & loves she received from the likes of her amazing grandmother, unforgiving bestfriend, teachers and others, touched me. Although Emoni shaped her own life, the support (& faith) from others helped guide her; and this very dynamics, touched me.
Avecedo has a way with words that held so much, even with little words. Every word she wrote was with purpose. Even in the beauty of her words, there were crass honesty, so there was a balance between dreamy ideals, & practical vulnerabilities or realities. As it was written from Emoni's perspective, you'd really get to know the essence of who she was. Moreover, Avecedo allowed us to get to know each character through Emoni's eyes, but do so compassionately when she explored their imperfections. You'd have a clear picture of the people Emoni had in her life, & how they changed each other.
I was left tearing up at the end. And what a treat it was to get to know someone as wise & eloquent as Emoni as she went about her life, trying her best to be the best mother, the best (grand)daughter - person, she could be. At the end, it wasn't just that Emoni tried to be the best for others, it was her trying to be the best for herself that really moved me; made me feel happy for her.
This book was definitely a first-class full course meal!
What a subtly beautiful book. It spoke about how foods & flavours could be central to our being: from our culture, to every day living, & the formation of our memories (i.e., cognitively, acted as cues; similar to the Proustian concept of memory). The thing that I loved most about Emoni was how she tried to make the best out of the situations she found herself in; fighting against prejudices & her own insecurities. The supports & loves she received from the likes of her amazing grandmother, unforgiving bestfriend, teachers and others, touched me. Although Emoni shaped her own life, the support (& faith) from others helped guide her; and this very dynamics, touched me.
Avecedo has a way with words that held so much, even with little words. Every word she wrote was with purpose. Even in the beauty of her words, there were crass honesty, so there was a balance between dreamy ideals, & practical vulnerabilities or realities. As it was written from Emoni's perspective, you'd really get to know the essence of who she was. Moreover, Avecedo allowed us to get to know each character through Emoni's eyes, but do so compassionately when she explored their imperfections. You'd have a clear picture of the people Emoni had in her life, & how they changed each other.
I was left tearing up at the end. And what a treat it was to get to know someone as wise & eloquent as Emoni as she went about her life, trying her best to be the best mother, the best (grand)daughter - person, she could be. At the end, it wasn't just that Emoni tried to be the best for others, it was her trying to be the best for herself that really moved me; made me feel happy for her.
This book was definitely a first-class full course meal!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Racism
Minor: Sexual content