A review by nestofwordsandblankets
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative 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

4.0

I was pleasantly surprised by how this book navigates family dynamics, culture, colonialism, and internal conflict. Set in New York during the early 90s through the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Xochitl Gonzalez did not go for the cheap grabs that many...not just Puerto Ricans...faced during this period. This book dares to look deeper into the relationship with Puerto Rico and its tumultuous history with the USA. 

How do you strive for the "American dream", support change, and continue to support the traditions of the previous generation? 

Olga Dies Dreaming is a medium-paced, character-driven narrative. The plot points in the story were interesting, but there were some questionable gaps that didn't distract me. While the end felt a bit rushed, the characters showed growth throughout the narrative and the conclusion felt satisfying. The colloquialisms throughout the book were not distracting at all and brought a familiar sense of community to the narrative. 

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