A review by dlrosebyh
Pedro & Daniel by Federico Erebia

emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC of Pedro and Daniel. 

Pedro and Daniel centers on two gay Mexican-American brothers who were raised in a Catholic house set during the 1960s to the 1990s. Despite the fact that the two brothers have quite different personalities, they both battle with homophobia, colorism, and abuse from their mother since she continues to hold them both to unattainable standards. 

While the other wants to be a doctor, one of the brothers wants to be a priest. They vary in that one has steadfast convictions and rarely questions much in life, while the other is enquiring. This has a significant impact on the plot because the HIV and AIDS epidemic will ultimately be the main source of conflict, and the way they looked on things will drastically change.

Character-driven stories are always hit or miss for me, but this one is clearly a hit. Reading the book was a lot like going through their thoughts. Despite the similarities between the brothers, it is clear which brother's perspective you are reading from. You watch them develop as two young brothers, drift away, and ultimately come together to battle the epidemic. Be aware that there is no romance in this book; yet, prepare to shed many tears because this is such a tearjerker.
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