Reviews tagging 'Misogyny'

Dominicana by Angie Cruz

19 reviews

jjb21's review against another edition

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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.

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fieldsandfeels's review against another edition

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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.

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leahkarge's review against another edition

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3.0


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readbycarina's review

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emotional sad tense fast-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? No

3.75


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litliz's review

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challenging emotional sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

This book took me a bit to get into but once I was in, I was in all the way. Ana grows so much during the course of the book, which begins in the Dominican Republic but quickly takes her journey to Washington Heights. There are some really lovely passages that depict different things - one of my favorites essentially shows her disassociation in the wake of receiving tragic news after experiencing a series of traumas. Another fascinating chapter discusses the challenges faced by Dominicans in the US during the Civil Rights movement, and the idea that black people would resent Dominicans or perhaps feel that they had the market cornered on oppression and prejudice. I felt like the novel really highlighted the strength of its protagonist Ana’s spirit, the complicated dynamics between mother and daughter, and the very mixed feelings Ana has for almost every person she consistently interacts with, particularly her abusive husband, Juan, whom she feels both a strong loathing but also indebted to. Ana’s voice in particular felt very authentic and real to me and is the reason this book was so powerful, in my mind. 

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vale_reading's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75


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craftyanty's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative reflective sad tense 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

This novel is a beautiful blend, addressing issues of family, history, culture, colorism, objectivism of women, abuse, and passion. 

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angiepoggi's review

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Books should come with trigger warnings. I was not prepared to enter into a story with such explict abuse. After reading a spoiler review, I don't think this book will do me any good nor will it bring me any new things. I was a immigrant and I am a child of immigrants, I appreciate this story being told, but I will not finish this book.

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libre_coffeeandpages's review

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challenging 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? It's complicated

4.0

Personally, this story was a SOLID 4 stars. I couldn’t put it down and literally finished it in a single sitting. My heart really ached for the protagonist, and I instantly appreciated the fact that I picked up this book. The only reason why I didn’t give it 5 stars was because the prose weren’t as spellbinding as I normally prefer. Given the story and the leading lady though, I don’t know how else it could’ve been, but that was just my reaction after letting the story settle for a bit. Dominicana is insightful, inspirational, and an emotional piece. I really recommend it for those that enjoy novels inspired by real stories, anyone that has an interest in immigration or immigrant stories, or perhaps someone looking to alleviate some of their own pains through shared trauma experience in stories. 

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bookhookedheather's review

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emotional 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? It's complicated

4.5

Such an important representation of the Dominican immigrant experience in the US.

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