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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
This was a beautifully written and wonderfully translated novel. The symbolism is rich and textile. My biggest issue is that it is so pro bourgeois and so anti proletariat. The Morales family is pure and without fault, while the single farm worker we really get to know is resentful, jealous, and ultimately so much more.
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
One of the most beautiful works of prose I've read in a long time. Absolutely stunningly heartbreaking.
emotional
reflective
slow-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 a slow burn.
Despite my hesitance in reading this book (Because it seemed like something I would not normally indulge in), I got hooked on Simonopio from the start. Because of the way he's introduced, he is immediately a character you want the best for and hope he thrives and succeeds. I was able to resonate with the overprotectiveness Nana Reja possessed. It was a really great way to start.
Gradually, I acquired horse blinders and shunned out every other thing happening in the first few chapters because I was so interested in who Simonopio was. I wanted nothing more than that unfortunately, so I missed the chance to set myself up for success from the beginning.
Once I was able to identify the flow beyond Simonopio (Learning that Francisco was the narrator and his origin in general), it was easier to follow both boys as they grew up. I became invested in Francisco and awestruck by Simonopio and what they had both overcome from a young age.
Once Francisco and Simonopio had a firm grasp on my heart, it became hard for me to focus on anything else happening in the novel. Orange trees and bees became a blur. Who owns what and family turmoil faded into the background for me. All I focused on was how Simonopio never said a word and how contrastingly descriptive Francisco came to be about his life.
Because of these fixations, I got lost and confused in the best ways possible. At the start of a new chapter (Which were beautifully organized and creative, by the way), I would need to kind of refresh and remind myself there is a plot and that it wasn't just about how cool the characters were.
Looking back now I would love to give this book another chance. I ruined it for myself this first read. If you are looking to read this book, try your hardest not to get tangled in the characters like I was.
Despite my hesitance in reading this book (Because it seemed like something I would not normally indulge in), I got hooked on Simonopio from the start. Because of the way he's introduced, he is immediately a character you want the best for and hope he thrives and succeeds. I was able to resonate with the overprotectiveness Nana Reja possessed. It was a really great way to start.
Gradually, I acquired horse blinders and shunned out every other thing happening in the first few chapters because I was so interested in who Simonopio was. I wanted nothing more than that unfortunately, so I missed the chance to set myself up for success from the beginning.
Once I was able to identify the flow beyond Simonopio (Learning that Francisco was the narrator and his origin in general), it was easier to follow both boys as they grew up. I became invested in Francisco and awestruck by Simonopio and what they had both overcome from a young age.
Once Francisco and Simonopio had a firm grasp on my heart, it became hard for me to focus on anything else happening in the novel. Orange trees and bees became a blur. Who owns what and family turmoil faded into the background for me. All I focused on was how Simonopio never said a word and how contrastingly descriptive Francisco came to be about his life.
Because of these fixations, I got lost and confused in the best ways possible. At the start of a new chapter (Which were beautifully organized and creative, by the way), I would need to kind of refresh and remind myself there is a plot and that it wasn't just about how cool the characters were.
Looking back now I would love to give this book another chance. I ruined it for myself this first read. If you are looking to read this book, try your hardest not to get tangled in the characters like I was.
4.5
Sentí que es un libro con un mensaje y una historia muy bonita, al final del libro te queda más claro cual es el mensaje, y aunque lo sentí un poquito apresurado, pienso que es bonito. Me gustó como cuenta el paso de la epidemia en Linares, aunque es un libro anterior a la pandemia pienso que cuenta un poco como es que un evento así detiene tu vida, pero que al mismo tiempo, a pesar de que queramos la vida "tampoco se detiene":
A veces sentí que divagaba un poco, y la historia seguía bastante por un lado, incluso años, mientras por el otro te dejaba con un "cliffhanger", en una especie de "presente".
Sentí que es un libro con un mensaje y una historia muy bonita, al final del libro te queda más claro cual es el mensaje, y aunque lo sentí un poquito apresurado, pienso que es bonito. Me gustó como cuenta el paso de la epidemia en Linares, aunque es un libro anterior a la pandemia pienso que cuenta un poco como es que un evento así detiene tu vida, pero que al mismo tiempo, a pesar de que queramos la vida "tampoco se detiene":
A veces sentí que divagaba un poco, y la historia seguía bastante por un lado, incluso años, mientras por el otro te dejaba con un "cliffhanger", en una especie de "presente".
Me encantó, es una obra que me hizo llorar desde las primeras páginas, su final no se queda atrás. Me gusta los cambios de narrador y el contexto en el que se desarrolla. Sentí la añoranza y el amor que hay en estas páginas. Los personajes están bien construidos y se toma el tiempo de madurarlos. Este libro ocupará un lugar especial en mi mente siempre.