Reviews with content warning for Racism - Dominicana

Reviews tagging 'Racism'

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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theinkwyrm's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced

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

3.5

I find myself in the somewhat unique position of realizing that this is an objectively well-written book (for the most part-some of the flashbacks didn’t really feel cohesive with the narrative, but it wasn’t so bad as to detract from the overall quality of the book) but one that I probably wouldn’t ever pick up again because of how negative the book felt and would have some hesitations about recommending to others. This book dealt with some pretty heavy topics across the board that were difficult to read about at times, but I think the author handled them well and in a way that felt respectful of these characters, but also unflinchingly realistic.

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torturedreadersdept'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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caseycdelima's review

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emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

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? No

4.0

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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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catsandbookspluspup's review

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challenging sad slow-paced

Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

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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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toriah_reads'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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