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A review by 2treads
Call Me Cassandra by Marcial Gala
challenging
sad
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
—We are but shadows set on the canvas of this life, my Zeus... —Raul
—Everyone makes their own ship out of their lives and enters whichever ocean they want— José
There is something special in the way that Gala writes. It was present in The Black Cathedral and it is here as well. The almost disjointed prose does nothing to deter from the poignancy or poetry of the despair in which our main character exists.
Growing up in a macho society with a father that was vocally and physically a representation of the ideals of machismo culture, Raul could not truly express themself and claim their identity. Just like Cassandra of Troy, they are not believed and is cast as someone they are not, because of how they look and twisted societal expectations.
There is a certain intimacy in the way the nareator tells this story, as if they are speaking directly to us and wants us to be as engaged and immersed in Raul/Cassandra's existence. Weaved into this story is the pervasive anti-Blackness that exists within Latin communities.and how it presents in families.
From the very first encounter, you are gripped by the destiny of Raul, you feel the yearning to be free, even ass they carry and share the weight of the time and place of their demise. With vivid prose Gala makes his reader truly experience Raul Iriarte.
—Everyone makes their own ship out of their lives and enters whichever ocean they want— José
There is something special in the way that Gala writes. It was present in The Black Cathedral and it is here as well. The almost disjointed prose does nothing to deter from the poignancy or poetry of the despair in which our main character exists.
Growing up in a macho society with a father that was vocally and physically a representation of the ideals of machismo culture, Raul could not truly express themself and claim their identity. Just like Cassandra of Troy, they are not believed and is cast as someone they are not, because of how they look and twisted societal expectations.
There is a certain intimacy in the way the nareator tells this story, as if they are speaking directly to us and wants us to be as engaged and immersed in Raul/Cassandra's existence. Weaved into this story is the pervasive anti-Blackness that exists within Latin communities.and how it presents in families.
From the very first encounter, you are gripped by the destiny of Raul, you feel the yearning to be free, even ass they carry and share the weight of the time and place of their demise. With vivid prose Gala makes his reader truly experience Raul Iriarte.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Homophobia, Rape, Racism, War, and Violence