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A review by utopiastateofmind
The Liars of Mariposa Island by Jennifer Mathieu
3.0
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
More like 3.5
The Liars of Mariposa Island is one of those books that makes you examine the power of words. It is an emotional story that asks us what we are willing to sacrifice for our family, and when is enough, enough? The Liars of Mariposa Island is a story about summer, freedom, parties and boys. Narrated from the perspective of a girl and her older brother, The Liars of Mariposa Island is a story that revolves around family. It features a relationship between the main character, who is 16, and an older teen, 19 years of age. A book that is stewing with secrets, lies, and proving there's a bit of a liar in us all. We are asked what we will do to continue our lies, to protect ourselves, and our family.
But what drew me to The Liars of Mariposa Island were the exploration of truth and lies, the memories of Elena's mother as a refugee from Cuba, and the question of whether we have the strength to break free of our family's hold. Throughout the book we witness scenes of Elena's mother as she flees Cuba, assimilates to life in the US, and her own vulnerabilities, fears, and lies. Every character in this book is a liar. Whether that be a white lie, Mathieu explores their motivations and fears.
Unfortunately, a place where The Liars of Mariposa Island fell short for me was in the ending. I appreciated that half of the book is narrated from Elena's perspective and the other half Joaquin's (besides the chapters from their mother), but I didn't feel much resolution from the ending. I wasn't expecting there to be a very happy ending, because the book is a full of family drama and tension, but I was looking for more closure.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/review-the-liars-of-mariposa-island-by-jennifer-mathieu/
More like 3.5
The Liars of Mariposa Island is one of those books that makes you examine the power of words. It is an emotional story that asks us what we are willing to sacrifice for our family, and when is enough, enough? The Liars of Mariposa Island is a story about summer, freedom, parties and boys. Narrated from the perspective of a girl and her older brother, The Liars of Mariposa Island is a story that revolves around family. It features a relationship between the main character, who is 16, and an older teen, 19 years of age. A book that is stewing with secrets, lies, and proving there's a bit of a liar in us all. We are asked what we will do to continue our lies, to protect ourselves, and our family.
But what drew me to The Liars of Mariposa Island were the exploration of truth and lies, the memories of Elena's mother as a refugee from Cuba, and the question of whether we have the strength to break free of our family's hold. Throughout the book we witness scenes of Elena's mother as she flees Cuba, assimilates to life in the US, and her own vulnerabilities, fears, and lies. Every character in this book is a liar. Whether that be a white lie, Mathieu explores their motivations and fears.
Unfortunately, a place where The Liars of Mariposa Island fell short for me was in the ending. I appreciated that half of the book is narrated from Elena's perspective and the other half Joaquin's (besides the chapters from their mother), but I didn't feel much resolution from the ending. I wasn't expecting there to be a very happy ending, because the book is a full of family drama and tension, but I was looking for more closure.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/review-the-liars-of-mariposa-island-by-jennifer-mathieu/