A review by smj322
The Book of Unknown Americans, by Cristina Henríquez
3.0
This book mostly enraptured me because it was set in the place where I grew up. The author does a good job of referencing specific places, so for anyone very familiar with that area of Delaware, it's easy to visualize exactly what she's talking about. If we take away the setting for my own sentimental purposes, the weaker parts of the novel were the more simplistic wording and the cliche sentences which characters would utter every once in a while.
I also had trouble with the chapters switching characters. Henriquez would switch between two main characters throughout the novel, and then intermittently switch to another character who lived in the same apartment complex, but these were usually very short chapters. They were placed appropriately to the context of the events of the novel, but it made me want to hear more from them. Just my personal opinion. I think the book could have done without these little blurbs from the neighbors. I would also add that there is a tragedy at the end, and it just seems to come on too quickly and without detail. I thought this part could have been strengthened.
I do think this is a solid novel for students to read, though, and it reminded me of the struggles immigrants face, particularly where I grew up. This work may be fiction, but it is not a lie. Growing up in Delaware, I mostly ignored the experiences of immigrants in my vicinity. During high school, I lived in front of a mulch company which primarily employed immigrants from Central America. They often stayed after work to listen to music together from their cars and dance in the parking lot. On the one hand, I was in high school, and shy, but on the other hand, I realized I never took the time to ask them how they were doing, where they were from, and if they felt welcomed - and this book reminded me of how important it can be to just ask, or to wish someone well.
I also had trouble with the chapters switching characters. Henriquez would switch between two main characters throughout the novel, and then intermittently switch to another character who lived in the same apartment complex, but these were usually very short chapters. They were placed appropriately to the context of the events of the novel, but it made me want to hear more from them. Just my personal opinion. I think the book could have done without these little blurbs from the neighbors. I would also add that there is a tragedy at the end, and it just seems to come on too quickly and without detail. I thought this part could have been strengthened.
I do think this is a solid novel for students to read, though, and it reminded me of the struggles immigrants face, particularly where I grew up. This work may be fiction, but it is not a lie. Growing up in Delaware, I mostly ignored the experiences of immigrants in my vicinity. During high school, I lived in front of a mulch company which primarily employed immigrants from Central America. They often stayed after work to listen to music together from their cars and dance in the parking lot. On the one hand, I was in high school, and shy, but on the other hand, I realized I never took the time to ask them how they were doing, where they were from, and if they felt welcomed - and this book reminded me of how important it can be to just ask, or to wish someone well.