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cozylifewithabby's review against another edition
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Violence
100_pages_hr's review against another edition
3.0
I absolutely loved the historical value this book held. The insight into life in both the Dominican Republic at the time and life in NYC. Both places had a lot of challenges, but especially the DR during the reign of the dictator, Trujillo. It was interesting to me to read how she thought life would be in America versus how it turned out to be.
It was really hard to read about her life once she moved to NYC knowing that it was based on a true story. She was so young and she went through so much. I felt so bad for her. I did really like the parts about her learning English though since I am an ENL teacher.
In the beginning of the book I really loved it. Towards the middle and end not so much. It was a hard read. Please check content warnings.
I got a lot of Julia Alvarez vibes at the beginning and now really want to reread two of my favorites by her because I loved those so much more (In the Time of the Butterflies and How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accents).
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Blood, Medical content, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
arifahmalik's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Infidelity
Moderate: Death, Rape, and Violence
Minor: Xenophobia and War
sofiaxaguilar's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, and Pregnancy
cheyne's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Medical trauma
pollyflorence's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Blood
aoifeprettypurplepolkadots's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Infidelity
aquakerwitch's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, and Rape
Minor: Vomit, Police brutality, and Medical trauma
scarlettreadsbooks's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I’ve got to admit I expected a bit more from a book shortlisted for the Women’s Prize. I found the first half of the book difficult to get through due to the slow pace. But the second half of the book captured me, and I finally started to enjoy it; by the end, I was really invested in Ana’s storyline. I did also learn a lot about the history of the Dominican Republic and their relationship between the USA.
I’m still glad I read this as part of the #londonbookfriends book club pick for September, in honour of #latinxheritagemonth, and pushed me out of my reading comfort zone
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Rape, and Toxic relationship