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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Oh that last line got me good! Goosebumps even after re-reading it three times. And the opening line - WOW - what a way to start a book! Patricia Engel certainly knows how to open and close a story!
I was hooked at the beginning, then kind of got a little lost, I think because I had no previous knowledge of the conflicts and political situation in Columbia so I felt a bit confused, but then the characters developed more and the back stories, and I just felt so much for this family.
Separated into two countries, and unable to be together how they wish, the family story is heartbreaking, and eye opening. There are so many insights into immigrant life, and the daily struggles of those deemed "illegal". It was so interesting to me how what the parents believed to be a "better life" was not always what the children thought. I found the chapters from Karina and Nando especially difficult but powerful to read.
Overall, I think it is a beautifully written story that shows two parents just trying to make a better life and future for their children, and doing the best they can in situations that are often out of their control. This would be a great Book Club book - so much to discuss. Strongly recommended!
I was hooked at the beginning, then kind of got a little lost, I think because I had no previous knowledge of the conflicts and political situation in Columbia so I felt a bit confused, but then the characters developed more and the back stories, and I just felt so much for this family.
Separated into two countries, and unable to be together how they wish, the family story is heartbreaking, and eye opening. There are so many insights into immigrant life, and the daily struggles of those deemed "illegal". It was so interesting to me how what the parents believed to be a "better life" was not always what the children thought. I found the chapters from Karina and Nando especially difficult but powerful to read.
Overall, I think it is a beautifully written story that shows two parents just trying to make a better life and future for their children, and doing the best they can in situations that are often out of their control. This would be a great Book Club book - so much to discuss. Strongly recommended!
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
There’s a love letter to Colombia somewhere in here, but it’s poorly executed. Rushed and inconclusive ending.
Felt like the author couldn’t figure out how to tell their story. They’d change tactics suddenly and awkwardly.
Narrator’s inflections were strange and unnatural. Overemphasis at odd times.
Felt like the author couldn’t figure out how to tell their story. They’d change tactics suddenly and awkwardly.
Narrator’s inflections were strange and unnatural. Overemphasis at odd times.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
emotional
sad
slow-paced
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No