Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Cantoras

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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kelsiepixler's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The story was slow at points, and I had to set page goals to keep myself from putting it down in the beginning. That being said, the last 1/3 of the book made it a worthy read.

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jordanrisa's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful sad 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

4.25

A really beautiful novel. One with so much important history and a celebration of female friendship, queer love and chosen family. I loved getting to know each character and shed tears of both sadness and joy while reading this book. I think it would make such a good movie or tv show adaptation — we need more stories like this to be read and watched. Highly recommend.

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bkern4's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective sad 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

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kshertz's review against another edition

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hopeful sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

What a fantastic story of women loving women in Uruguay. I learned a lot of history. I felt seen. I really love that this story exists in the world. I had a hard time following so many characters but I still definitely loved it. I think anyone who’s ever loved a woman needs to read this book!

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millbot's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

An incredible, fascinating, deeply human story of friendship and chosen family in the face of extraordinarily difficult circumstances. It may be fiction but it's clear how deeply based this is on real stories of queer resilience and creativity.

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