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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A multi-generational tale about well intentioned mistakes and passed down trauma. Being Latina myself, I connected with so many of the characters but especially to Felicitas. The relationships between the Olivares women were full of love but also full of angst and secrets. The complexity within each relationship felt frustrating but maybe that’s because I could see and hear the women of my family in these characters. All in all, I would recommend this book. Especially to those who grew up frustrated by their parents’ inability to relate to them, listen to them, and get to know them. Loved this, but I thought the ending felt just a little bit rushed. Looking forward to more books from this author!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
MY MOTHER CURSED MY NAME tells the story of intergenerational relationships and tensions between women, grandmothers and mothers and daughters. Still haunted by her mother’s well-intentioned yet hurtful mistakes, Angustias is conflicted about going to Grace, the little town that Olvido has made a home for herself—it’s even worse when she finds out that all these strangers, these townspeople, have found a nurturing and comforting figure in the late Olvido, a side of her mother that Angustias never had the chance to experience. The novel opens up like something of a family fable, with Olvido’s mother and grandmother, how one generation influences the character of the next: Olvido is calculating because her mother Victoria was irresponsible, Angustias is carefree because her mother is too serious, and Felicitas is serious because her mother is not. Yet, they are all bound to each other by blood, and eventually through the town and community of Grace. There’s a running motif of flowers and roots, and the role of homecooked food as nourishment, a way of bonding. Each Olivares has her own little magic, one they keep secret from each other but gradually share. This book was so beautiful, so full of heart, family, and community, and also surprisingly funny.
emotional
funny
reflective
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:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
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:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was described as Encanto for adults and I couldn’t agree more. This book made me laugh and cry as we journeyed through the perspectives of three different generations of women grappling with grief and generational trauma. Beautifully written. Loved every second of it. I also listened on audio when I was driving and enjoyed that also!
Less believable/well-written Family Lore. I was disappointed by this one. :/
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Yes