Scan barcode
3thingsaboutthisbook's review
4.0
📕What would a mother do? ... when home country is not safe enough, immigration of the new country she moves wouldn’t let her be, money is tight and those golden opportunities never come her way. She fights for it, fights for her kids; but she might failed to see there is more to her family than her children
-
📗This story is largely about a family and their struggle with immigration: their status back home vs. in the US, jobs they could do back home vs. in the US, etc... but it has more to it. It also gives hints about the “caste” system in Peru: how some families from the capital city with lighter skin are consider themselves more powerful and more important than families from other cities with darker skin. The mother in point 1 also fights against her husband’s family and their belittling acts
-
📘It was very real, observable story that you can find in all parts New York as you walk on the streets. You will find these faces on the very same streets. Now, go and read!
-
📗This story is largely about a family and their struggle with immigration: their status back home vs. in the US, jobs they could do back home vs. in the US, etc... but it has more to it. It also gives hints about the “caste” system in Peru: how some families from the capital city with lighter skin are consider themselves more powerful and more important than families from other cities with darker skin. The mother in point 1 also fights against her husband’s family and their belittling acts
-
📘It was very real, observable story that you can find in all parts New York as you walk on the streets. You will find these faces on the very same streets. Now, go and read!
tmariereads's review
4.0
Ana, her husband Lucho, and their two children are immigrants from Peru living in NYC. They are living with Lucho’s cousin and trying to make enough money to move out and survive on their own. Lucho thinks they should return to Peru, that it is too hard to live in NYC, but Ana is desperate to give her children a better life. In her desperation she does things she doesn’t understand, and can’t tell anyone about, while always looking over her shoulder for immigration.
As a mother, Ana’s story was very powerful to me. Mothers will do anything for their children and I can’t imagine how hard it is for immigrants to be constantly living in fear of being deported and separated from their families. It reminded me of my privilege and how thankful I am that I don’t have those fears.
As a mother, Ana’s story was very powerful to me. Mothers will do anything for their children and I can’t imagine how hard it is for immigrants to be constantly living in fear of being deported and separated from their families. It reminded me of my privilege and how thankful I am that I don’t have those fears.
allisonw92's review
4.0
This is a beautiful yet heartbreaking story that very likely mirrors the true stories of many immigrant women and families in the United States. Themes of immigration, family, sacrifice, and culture are woven throughout Ana's story as she fights every day to do right by her children, her husband, and herself despite the challenging circumstances life throws in her way. This is a story many Americans NEED to read, no matter how difficult it is for them to hear or accept. I highly recommend it!
ashlyra19's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Sexual assault
howse's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
kld2128's review against another edition
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion and Deportation
tinyviolet's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
gjniev's review
3.0
I will begin by saying that Rivero is a talented author. Her prose is moving and she is crafted in weaving dialogue and memory into a story. However, there were moments where the plot read like a bad telenovela. The ending of this novel was particularly jarring after going through few ups and several downs with Ana and the Falcons. I will admit that the drama of the plot kept me hooked but some of the story read as unbelievable (ie, the interaction with the cops and the passage mentioning a pristine clean subway car - in what universe, asks this New Yorker.)
I would recommend this book as a start into issues regarding women and migration, especially with regard to Peru. I did learn about Peruvian culture and cuisine from this novel, which is always welcome and appreciated.
I would recommend this book as a start into issues regarding women and migration, especially with regard to Peru. I did learn about Peruvian culture and cuisine from this novel, which is always welcome and appreciated.
cjeanne99's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Story line reminded me of a soap opera - with the women struggling to make ends meet and arguing amongst themselves. I never felt engaged with Ana or the other women. The dialogue and plot was very flat.