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amywong's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.0
This was surprisingly raw and honest. The characters all felt extremely real. My family's immigrant background and experience made this easy to resonate with me. Unfortunately the abusive aspect of the story was very real and may be hard to swallow for some. I appreciate that it didn't feel sensationalized for the story. It was handled very well and that's sadly a rare skill. For that reason, I'd recommend this to anyone who'd like to read an immigrant story in general not just specifically to relate to the Dominican aspect. A nuanced point that many don't understand is that abuse in a stereotypical family and an immigrant family is different. There's so many more factors as shown in this story comes into play. It's not that whether it's ok or not is different, it's always not ok, it's how you go about it handle it may be different. As seen in Ana's story, she cannot leave not jsut for herself but for her mom, brother and now daughter. In essence, it's not just Ana who is abused physically, it's her entire family. Therefore, the entire family is involved and makes a decision together. The goal to leave, is not changed, it's when and how.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
lindsaylhunter's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? No
3.0
Very endearing little read. Quite slow at times but the main character is super cute.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Rape
Moderate: Racial slurs
Minor: Sexual assault
jjb21's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.0
A nice writing style and a unique, captivating setting. About a young Dominican woman moving to New York in the 60s, and having to live with a man she doesn’t love. She’s an infuriating yet loveable character. Not much happens, but I quite liked that - it’s kind of the point.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual violence, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Rape, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, Racism, Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Medical trauma, Emotional abuse, Death, Racial slurs, Grief, Gaslighting, Fatphobia, Blood, Antisemitism, Alcohol, Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, Domestic abuse, and Medical content
fieldsandfeels's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This story was hard to read at times, because it captured so well the reality of being a Dominican immigrant in the mid-20th century. The hatred and rivalry toward Puerto Ricans, rampant colorism, citizenship struggles, bigotry, familismo, American imperialism, the importance of community, coming of age, the isolation in immigration, love and marriage - it’s all there. It’s so complete, without feeling forced or unrealistic. And that speaks to the point, that immigrating to NYC where you know and trust no one, don’t speak the language, haven’t experienced the lifestyle, and are still trying to figure out your own identity, is one of the hardest things anyone can do, other adversity aside. Ana’s story is heartbreaking, and very, very, close to home for so many people, and yet it’s still accessible and full of hope. And acceptance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, Misogyny, Pregnancy, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Rape and Racism
sparklingpynk's review against another edition
This is absolutely beautifully written and tells an important story that is very relevant even today. My heart broke for Ana through each chapter of her journey. Listening to the author explain the inspiration for this book at the end, gives this so much more meaning and importance. I can tell this story will stick with me for a bit and that is a testament for how well this is written. Aside from touching on very important topics throughout history and the struggles of a young woman immigrating to NY, this story flows so easily and each character adds so much depth to Ana's story. Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Grief, Physical abuse, Racism, War, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Hate crime, Infidelity, Pregnancy, and Sexual assault
softhesquirrel's review
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual violence and Domestic abuse
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
Wow, this blew me away!
In 1965, 15-year-old Ana is married off (they fake her age to be 19 instead on official papers) to Juan (double her age!!!!!) and moves to the United States (New York), leaving her family, friends and only life she has ever known in the Dominican Republic. Her mom hopes that Ana will be able to find a job and send money back home, eventually having enough money and connections to bring the rest of her family to NYC. It is a grim transition and Ana is incredibly isolated, lonely and scared to be on her own with her new husband.
As Ana navigates Juan’s infidelity, his anger, and an apartment that leaves her wanting, she begins to realize that a life with Juan is not all her mom talked it up to be. When Juan leaves Ana to go back to the DR for a bit, she begins leaning into her independence, learning English, and taking initiative to do things on her own, like dance and go to the beach! She also spends a lot of time with Juan’s brother Cesar, who had convinced her to stay in the states after she had tried escaping back home. Ana finds herself and her voice and learns about deception, betrayal and how dire consequences can be when you put your faith in the wrong people.
Ana’s journey is so traumatic; I can only imagine. To think of myself or anyone at 15 years old navigating what Ana was forced into is devastating. And yet, Ana keeps it moving! I was so incredibly proud of her at the end of this novel, and while I’m deeply sorry she had to endure everything she did, I admire her growth, perseverance, courage, and honesty. She eventually refuses to accept being a passenger in her life and takes on the driver’s seat, which felt impossible at the beginning of her journey. I will absolutely read more from Angie Cruz in the future, and the audiobook narration was excellent as well!
See content warnings below (some are more graphic than others, but they all hit very hard. Characters display a lot of anti-Blackness, misogyny & even use the word “retarded”) & take care while reading.
Wow, this blew me away!
In 1965, 15-year-old Ana is married off (they fake her age to be 19 instead on official papers) to Juan (double her age!!!!!) and moves to the United States (New York), leaving her family, friends and only life she has ever known in the Dominican Republic. Her mom hopes that Ana will be able to find a job and send money back home, eventually having enough money and connections to bring the rest of her family to NYC. It is a grim transition and Ana is incredibly isolated, lonely and scared to be on her own with her new husband.
As Ana navigates Juan’s infidelity, his anger, and an apartment that leaves her wanting, she begins to realize that a life with Juan is not all her mom talked it up to be. When Juan leaves Ana to go back to the DR for a bit, she begins leaning into her independence, learning English, and taking initiative to do things on her own, like dance and go to the beach! She also spends a lot of time with Juan’s brother Cesar, who had convinced her to stay in the states after she had tried escaping back home. Ana finds herself and her voice and learns about deception, betrayal and how dire consequences can be when you put your faith in the wrong people.
Ana’s journey is so traumatic; I can only imagine. To think of myself or anyone at 15 years old navigating what Ana was forced into is devastating. And yet, Ana keeps it moving! I was so incredibly proud of her at the end of this novel, and while I’m deeply sorry she had to endure everything she did, I admire her growth, perseverance, courage, and honesty. She eventually refuses to accept being a passenger in her life and takes on the driver’s seat, which felt impossible at the beginning of her journey. I will absolutely read more from Angie Cruz in the future, and the audiobook narration was excellent as well!
See content warnings below (some are more graphic than others, but they all hit very hard. Characters display a lot of anti-Blackness, misogyny & even use the word “retarded”) & take care while reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Sexism, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Pedophilia, Infidelity, Cursing, Blood, Animal death, Adult/minor relationship, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Racism, Racial slurs, and Violence
jenn_amanda's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Xenophobia, Racism, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Medical trauma
natgzmun's review
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.25
Excellent story about migration, family, womanhood, language, work, language, etc. Loved the protagonist, made me think about my own family history, made me hate the unfairness, violence and disregard women face in family and marriage. A bit too pessimistic about women-to-women collaboration but I got it as a point about how pettiness thrives in poverty and abusive environments. The ending was heartbreaking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, and Violence
hennesieinthepages's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, and Child abuse
Moderate: Racism and Gun violence