morninglightmama 's review for:

The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea

5.0

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Devastating and beautiful. Languorous and intense. This novel told lifetimes of stories over the course of just two days, through memories and the power of a sprinkling of magical realism. A multitude of characters, each with a variety of names and nicknames but hugely distinctive personalities made for an epic that will not quickly be forgotten. The protagonist's experience of facing his own very imminent death was a powerful reminder to be aware in our own lives, and the structure of this large Mexican-American extended family was something to behold. Urrea has the skill to create emotionally evocative novels, and this one was amazing.
(RH 2019 Challenge: An #ownvoices book set in Mexico or Central America)