A review by breanneporter
Cantoras by Caro De Robertis

adventurous dark emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Absolutely incredible novel. Cantoras follows 5 sapphic Uruguayan women from 1973 to 2013, who come together, become family to each other, and build a refuge for themselves in a beach town called Cabo Pollonia, down the coast from their home in Montevideo, which was under a military dictatorship from 1973 to 1985. I knew next to nothing about Uruguayan political history before reading this novel, and following these fierce, lovable, brave Uruguayan gay women as they fell in and out of love and friendship was such a beautiful way to learn about this piece of history. I love that the novel covers decades in these women’s lives, but never felt rushed, and the characters all felt so supremely real. I cried often, from horror and sadness and also happiness and relief. I desperately want to see the mini series version of this novel; for now I’ll settle for rereading it again soon. Brb, recommending it to everyone I know (though please check content warnings, as this is not a lighthearted journey). 
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