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caribbeangirlreading's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
All but one story is set in northern New Mexico, with mostly Latinx characters at their core. The sense of place is so strong that New Mexico itself is a central character in all the stories. There is also a strong sense of faith and religion through many of the stories, but it’s not the Catholicism practiced by white Anglos, but a faith is very rooted in New Mexican history and traditions.
Many of the stories end abruptly but it feels right. Most of the characters live in poverty, both the financial and the spiritual kind. Their lives will not have happy endings so why even try to tie up the story with a pretty bow?
My favorite story was Nemecia. My least favorite story was Family Reunion, about a young girl living in Salt Lake City who wants to convert to the Latter-Day Saints Church so that she can fit in with her school friends. The story was just out of place in this collection, both geographically and culturally. The Five Wounds short story is the basis for Valdez’ 2021 novel of the same name.
Overall, Night at the Fiestas was vivid, intense, and impeccably written.
Many of the stories end abruptly but it feels right. Most of the characters live in poverty, both the financial and the spiritual kind. Their lives will not have happy endings so why even try to tie up the story with a pretty bow?
My favorite story was Nemecia. My least favorite story was Family Reunion, about a young girl living in Salt Lake City who wants to convert to the Latter-Day Saints Church so that she can fit in with her school friends. The story was just out of place in this collection, both geographically and culturally. The Five Wounds short story is the basis for Valdez’ 2021 novel of the same name.
Overall, Night at the Fiestas was vivid, intense, and impeccably written.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gun violence, Pregnancy, Self harm, and Toxic relationship
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