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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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:
Yes
I really liked the concept of this book and how there was Spanish sprinkled in, but I found myself getting extremely distracted.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
IG/Tiktok: @Bookvibra
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book but it was everything. Alvarez neatly captured what it means to be a story teller from the perspective of an esteemed author and from the perspective of an illiterate person with so many tales to sow. Not only was the writing beautiful, but the stories told about each of the characters' lives were so captivating and interesting. I couldn't stop reading.
The way that Alvarez beautifully connected all of the stories to the Dominican Republic and its infamous dictator was a bonus
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book but it was everything. Alvarez neatly captured what it means to be a story teller from the perspective of an esteemed author and from the perspective of an illiterate person with so many tales to sow. Not only was the writing beautiful, but the stories told about each of the characters' lives were so captivating and interesting. I couldn't stop reading.
The way that Alvarez beautifully connected all of the stories to the Dominican Republic and its infamous dictator was a bonus
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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:
No
The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez
This is such an uniquely structured story that weaves together the voices and stories of the two MC, Alma & Filomena with the voices dr of the unfinished stories Alma has buried but still need to be told. The untold voices provide glimpses into the history of the Dominican Republic, political opposition and choices people make. The importance of storytelling as an oral history to pass down generational teachings is emphasized as well as the importance of stories to voice your experiences. The power of stories to educate and illuminate is the heart of this book. But it also highlights that not all stories are meant to be shared. That some are hidden even from ourselves.
It is a beautiful and poignant story providing glimpses into the lives and history of Dominican people at home and their experiences immigrating. The beauty of sacrifices made out of love for family, and the power of stories to hold families together will touch your heart.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I wanted to love this, I read it twice and am counting it as once because I still don't understand what happened in chapters 2 and 3.
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
3.5/5 stars
The entire time I was reading this book, “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” from the Hamilton soundtrack was stuck in my head.
That’s the main takeaway. Every person and every thing that you see has a story. People are not black and white, but various shades of gray once you understand them. We may never get the chance to hear some stories, and some are changed along the way.
I will carry some themes from this story with me far after I’ve put it back on the shelf. The storylines were well written, and I enjoyed the characters. I liked the book, but towards the end, the messages are said directly. I think the story speaks for itself, so the very end of the book was a bit disappointing for me.
The entire time I was reading this book, “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” from the Hamilton soundtrack was stuck in my head.
That’s the main takeaway. Every person and every thing that you see has a story. People are not black and white, but various shades of gray once you understand them. We may never get the chance to hear some stories, and some are changed along the way.
I will carry some themes from this story with me far after I’ve put it back on the shelf. The storylines were well written, and I enjoyed the characters. I liked the book, but towards the end, the messages are said directly. I think the story speaks for itself, so the very end of the book was a bit disappointing for me.