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kirstycreads's review
funny
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
asy179's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
mor_7's review against another edition
emotional
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
3.75
hollybreen2006's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
dianenora's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
fast-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? Yes
5.0
mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
4.0
Set in Trinidad, this novel follows the Palacios family who fled their home country of Venezuela via an illegal route, using a guy with a boat and forgoing residency permits. The family is trying to maintain a low profile while finding their way in their new home; many of them have found decent jobs similar to the ones they left behind. I was expecting a little more details about Trinidad itself, but the fact the family was trying to remain hidden may have factored into the lack of details.
The narrator, aspiring writer Yola, discovers that her dearly departed Aunt Celia was in debt to a local criminal called Ugly, who expects the family to make good on it. In addition to learning about the debt, Yola finds writings from Aunt Celia that spark her imagination and give her new insights to her family's background.
Ugly tasks his right-hand man, Román, with keeping tabs on the family and ensuring Aunt Celia's debt is repaid. The sooner, the better. But, when sparks fly between Yola and Román, it is clear that an already complicated situation is going to get even more complicated.
While the themes in the book are serious, the novel is chockfull of irreverent humor from start to finish. The family finds itself in increasingly outlandish scenarios as Ugly's patience wears thin. Some of these are over-the-top, but feel right for the zany, madcap tone of the book. Some readers may be put off by the expletives that are peppered throughout (to include being used in chapter titles) and possibly some of the steamy scenes, so be forewarned on both counts. One question I had as I was reading was whether Yola would have referred to herself and her family as "illegal;" this was done so many times that I found it distracting. The author's note at the end didn't use that term (she refers to Venezuelans in similar circumstances in Trinidad as refugees), so perhaps Yola's use of this terminology can be chalked up to her personality.
Many thanks to Simon and Schuster (37 Ink) and the Goodreads Giveaways program for the opportunity to read this debut novel!
The narrator, aspiring writer Yola, discovers that her dearly departed Aunt Celia was in debt to a local criminal called Ugly, who expects the family to make good on it. In addition to learning about the debt, Yola finds writings from Aunt Celia that spark her imagination and give her new insights to her family's background.
Ugly tasks his right-hand man, Román, with keeping tabs on the family and ensuring Aunt Celia's debt is repaid. The sooner, the better. But, when sparks fly between Yola and Román, it is clear that an already complicated situation is going to get even more complicated.
While the themes in the book are serious, the novel is chockfull of irreverent humor from start to finish. The family finds itself in increasingly outlandish scenarios as Ugly's patience wears thin. Some of these are over-the-top, but feel right for the zany, madcap tone of the book. Some readers may be put off by the expletives that are peppered throughout (to include being used in chapter titles) and possibly some of the steamy scenes, so be forewarned on both counts. One question I had as I was reading was whether Yola would have referred to herself and her family as "illegal;" this was done so many times that I found it distracting. The author's note at the end didn't use that term (she refers to Venezuelans in similar circumstances in Trinidad as refugees), so perhaps Yola's use of this terminology can be chalked up to her personality.
Many thanks to Simon and Schuster (37 Ink) and the Goodreads Giveaways program for the opportunity to read this debut novel!
nicjohnston's review
4.0
I utterly adored this book. There lies at the heart of it a serious tale of exploitation and refugees but it is told as a comedic and incredible tale in the year of the Palacio clan, mainly focusing on daughter Yola but weaving in a lovable and diverse wider family. It’s rare that I laugh out loud at a book but did frequently at this gem. A little reminiscent of the superb My Sister The Serial Killer in terms of dark humour, I would highly recommend it.
With thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for an ARC in consideration of an honest review. Reviews will be added to outlets closer to publication.
With thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for an ARC in consideration of an honest review. Reviews will be added to outlets closer to publication.