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baezel's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.75
Fully the saddest book I've ever read, it had me sobbing on the sofa at 8.30AM
An exploration of grief and trauma, and both the individual drivers and the systemic drivers of. As quietly optimistic as it is sad, its not a hard book to read, despite it covering some of the darkest material I've ever read. The characters are charming and the language is easy, and again and again you are met with these notes of hope and love that help you push on through the grimness. The ending is a really interesting choice - I'm on the fence how I feel about it, but I think it was ultimately done well, and it's interesting how various things throughout the story set it up perfectly, so you understand it from multiple perspectives.
An exploration of grief and trauma, and both the individual drivers and the systemic drivers of. As quietly optimistic as it is sad, its not a hard book to read, despite it covering some of the darkest material I've ever read. The characters are charming and the language is easy, and again and again you are met with these notes of hope and love that help you push on through the grimness. The ending is a really interesting choice - I'm on the fence how I feel about it, but I think it was ultimately done well, and it's interesting how various things throughout the story set it up perfectly, so you understand it from multiple perspectives.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Cancer
Minor: Drug abuse
ayriley's review against another edition
4.0
It was a bit slower than I would have liked, and I wasn’t a huge fan of how the jumps in character perspective took place in this novel.
But it was a beautifully written book and I became attached to the characters by the end of the book. It also felt like it wrapped up well - I’m only left with one huge question about his younger sister, but I can live with that.
But it was a beautifully written book and I became attached to the characters by the end of the book. It also felt like it wrapped up well - I’m only left with one huge question about his younger sister, but I can live with that.
thereadingalchemist's review against another edition
Not vibing with any of the characters. 50% in and I am soo confused as to what is happening. too jumpy.
royallyreading's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
3.5
isa_ada934's review against another edition
5.0
I don't think I ever cried this much reading a book.
british2197's review
4.0
I found it very difficult, keeping up with the different characters, as it wasn't clear at times whose perspective the story was from, until a substantial part of the way through. This was my first adult novel from Sàenz and it was boring at first until halfway through. I then felt myself empathising with André because of his harsh and difficult childhood. Grace was a character who seemed so realistic and who always tried to do what was best for her family. I just wish we got to spend more time with Sylvia and Vincente.
aneighborlysloth's review against another edition
5.0
Lots of tears. Lots of them.
This book is going to change my life, I think.
This book is going to change my life, I think.
heresthepencil's review against another edition
5.0
rep: predominantly Mexican-American cast, trans side character
this book ripped my heart out, crushed it into tiny pieces & set it on fire
& still, it was beautiful and soft and left me feeling calm
tw: rape, mentions of sexual abuse, pedophilia, child abuse, drugs, prostitution, terminal illness
this book ripped my heart out, crushed it into tiny pieces & set it on fire
& still, it was beautiful and soft and left me feeling calm
tw: rape, mentions of sexual abuse, pedophilia, child abuse, drugs, prostitution, terminal illness