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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC of Pedro and Daniel.
Pedro and Daniel centers on two gay Mexican-American brothers who were raised in a Catholic house set during the 1960s to the 1990s. Despite the fact that the two brothers have quite different personalities, they both battle with homophobia, colorism, and abuse from their mother since she continues to hold them both to unattainable standards.
While the other wants to be a doctor, one of the brothers wants to be a priest. They vary in that one has steadfast convictions and rarely questions much in life, while the other is enquiring. This has a significant impact on the plot because the HIV and AIDS epidemic will ultimately be the main source of conflict, and the way they looked on things will drastically change.
Character-driven stories are always hit or miss for me, but this one is clearly a hit. Reading the book was a lot like going through their thoughts. Despite the similarities between the brothers, it is clear which brother's perspective you are reading from. You watch them develop as two young brothers, drift away, and ultimately come together to battle the epidemic. Be aware that there is no romance in this book; yet, prepare to shed many tears because this is such a tearjerker.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Racism
Moderate: Bullying
This is a historical-fiction story about two brothers named Pedro and Daniel who are Mexican-American and gay. They live in extremely Catholic family which means they often encounter homophobia and colorism. The boys try, but never seem to meet their abusive mother's expectations for them. This story takes place from the 1960-90's. The reader follows the lives of the two brothers from alternating perspectives. By understanding both the character's thought and emotions in a given situation, it really helps to connect with the characters. One brother goes to school to become a priest and the other goes to school to become a doctor. This plan doesn't entirely work out due to the AIDS crisis. The brothers are both deeply affected by this epidemic. The ending made me sob and there were other moments in the book where I teared up. Proverbs are woven into the story in order for Pedro and Daniel to understand and figure out how to approach any predicament they face. This is a beautifully written and historically accurate piece of fiction that shows how people struggled to embrace their sexuality and race in an abusive household and a racist and homophobic society.