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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
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
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
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 enjoyed this one. I listened to it on audiobook, and I think that was the right choice since I have limited Spanish and am better at understanding meaning when I hear it than when I read it for some reason. This is a really thoughtful, character-driven story that sort of fits in the magical realism category with maybe a hint of historical fiction. There's family drama and untold stories (obviously!), and it feels fresh and new.
She weaves the stories of Dominican families together across distance and time beautifully. It’s about how we betray each other but also how we take care of each other. It’s a book about books and what it’s like to be a writer. I’d read it again.
What a gorgeously written book! If you want prose that reads like poetry The Cemetery of Untold Stories will not disappoint. A sweeping tale of stories, told and untold, that blends the lines to reality and fiction. This is my first work by Julia Alvarez and I would absolutely seek out more. What a beautiful voice, what dynamic characters! My only issue with this story is I listened to the audiobook and know it would be better served as text. The MC voices changes frequently and you go from storytelling to present day so abruptly that if you space out for a moment you could lose track. I imagine in physical form this book is easier to follow and is beautiful to consume. Even so this was a really unique and powerful story. 4 out of 5 stars. Thank you @netgalley for the ARC and happy pub day!!
I've only read one other Julia Alvarez novel, but I find myself totally enraptured by her writing. I am usually not a fan of character-driven novels, but something about her writing style makes me enjoy them.
The synopsis of this book had me immediately adding it to my TBR and I was eager to begin listening as soon as it landed in my library. Although I read the book in short bursts and it took me longer to listen than normal, I felt as though this was the best way to process the story. There were so many intertwining perspectives. Each one left me thinking and empathizing with the struggles of the characters. So much happened within their lives - some of it was beautiful but much of it was a struggle. The untold stories of these characters had me looking forward to each visit to the cemetery, waiting to see who we would hear from next, and thinking about the people who get to tell the stories of others and how this may skew the perspective and events.
I loved that each character's story started off as their own, but as we listened and learned more we saw how the stories wove together. I also appreciated the way the story began with Alma working with her author friend who had a difficult time finishing her final book because she could not get the story perfect and how we see this experience come full circle.
This novel beautifully articulates love and heartache. It was a wonderful journey into Dominican culture and shows the reader how stories can truly take on a life of their own.
4.5/5 stars
The synopsis of this book had me immediately adding it to my TBR and I was eager to begin listening as soon as it landed in my library. Although I read the book in short bursts and it took me longer to listen than normal, I felt as though this was the best way to process the story. There were so many intertwining perspectives. Each one left me thinking and empathizing with the struggles of the characters. So much happened within their lives - some of it was beautiful but much of it was a struggle. The untold stories of these characters had me looking forward to each visit to the cemetery, waiting to see who we would hear from next, and thinking about the people who get to tell the stories of others and how this may skew the perspective and events.
I loved that each character's story started off as their own, but as we listened and learned more we saw how the stories wove together. I also appreciated the way the story began with Alma working with her author friend who had a difficult time finishing her final book because she could not get the story perfect and how we see this experience come full circle.
This novel beautifully articulates love and heartache. It was a wonderful journey into Dominican culture and shows the reader how stories can truly take on a life of their own.
4.5/5 stars
Might come back to it sometime, just didn’t grab me more than some other things at the time
This was the perfect book -- I love when a master storyteller's work drops right into my heart when it's needed most.
a magical book about telling and listening to the stories all around us from a master storyteller. from bienvenidas story to the interconnectedness of the characters that emerged, i was totally pulled into this book