Scan barcode
A review by lesbrarycard
Cantoras by Caro De Robertis
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
okay now that i've had some time to contemplate this one, i can write my real review. i've had this book on my mind for a few years now, but like with many of my other favorite books i just kept pushing it to the bottom of my tbr. i'm so glad that i finally picked it up.
this is the first book i've read that was set in Uruguay, and i found the exploration of a totalitarian government regime so well done--it's truly enlightening and educational without becoming overloaded with explanation. it was so easy to understand the struggles our characters went through, and even when their decisions felt heartbreaking i wanted to support them and watch them pull through to a life full of more light, joy, and love. and there is love here--platonic and romantic. this is one of the best depictions of found family i've ever read and it felt like De Robertis could see into my mind and my life, understanding the dynamics between queer women in such a beautiful way that it made me want to cry. and eventually i did cry, overwhelmed with my emotion for these complex and brilliant characters.
the audiobook was a fantastic experience, and i'm happy that i had the chance to hear everything pronounced properly so i didn't have to unintentionally butcher it in my head. however, this is definitely a story that i'll be picking up as a physical copy and rereading just for an opportunity to spend more time with these characters and to pick up on nuances i might have missed.
Cantoras is a new favorite. it's a special book that puts female desire in the spotlight and shows that there can be beauty even in the darkest moments. it makes me want to hold my friends and tell them how wonderful they are, and to thank them for always seeing me for who i am. if i could give it more than five stars, i would!
this is the first book i've read that was set in Uruguay, and i found the exploration of a totalitarian government regime so well done--it's truly enlightening and educational without becoming overloaded with explanation. it was so easy to understand the struggles our characters went through, and even when their decisions felt heartbreaking i wanted to support them and watch them pull through to a life full of more light, joy, and love. and there is love here--platonic and romantic. this is one of the best depictions of found family i've ever read and it felt like De Robertis could see into my mind and my life, understanding the dynamics between queer women in such a beautiful way that it made me want to cry. and eventually i did cry, overwhelmed with my emotion for these complex and brilliant characters.
the audiobook was a fantastic experience, and i'm happy that i had the chance to hear everything pronounced properly so i didn't have to unintentionally butcher it in my head. however, this is definitely a story that i'll be picking up as a physical copy and rereading just for an opportunity to spend more time with these characters and to pick up on nuances i might have missed.
Cantoras is a new favorite. it's a special book that puts female desire in the spotlight and shows that there can be beauty even in the darkest moments. it makes me want to hold my friends and tell them how wonderful they are, and to thank them for always seeing me for who i am. if i could give it more than five stars, i would!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide