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A review by empressofbookingham
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
If I was to sum up this book in three words it would be beautiful, beautiful and beautiful: from the cover to how the story is delivered to us. But be wary, Acevedo tackles heavy topics such as loss, betrayal, sexual assault, social economic status and what it means to be 'family' among other themes. This is a tragically beautiful story delivered in prose that had me turning the pages till I flipped the last page.
Told in verse from the alternating dual first-person perspectives, we follow the life and upbrings of both Camino and Yahaira before and after the central figure in their life passes on. At first the stories are delivered separately but towards the end the story converges and becomes one.
I was spellbound by how the author delivered such powerful meaning using proses that rhymed, reasoned out and resonates with you while the feelings in candor, color and care made the characters come to life. To me every line held meaning to what it means to be betrayed, bereaved, lost, to forgive and finally to find your way home.
With the two dispering perspectives Acevedo allowed me the reader to explore these characters, their grief, fears, loss and vulnerabilities more deeply that I felt like I was part of their life and loss.
Camino’s verses were like poetic prose, flowing and straightforward. Read:
'My life's passions
are all about water breaking, new life making
taking breath in wrinkled flesh.'
While Yahaira’s delivery was more free flowing and urgent, and somewhat cryptic. Read:
' Because I don't know
if Papi is an anchor
at the bottom of the ocean,
I ignore everyone's call. '
Clap When You Land is a deeply profound novel pulls you in, tags your heartstrings and begs you to reflect deeply upon your life. It intricately and delicately portrays themes of grief, sexual assault, sisterhood, betrayal, cultural identity, and family.
The book’s title acknowledges a tradition Acevedo, who was born in New York City to Dominican parents and visited the island nearly every summer, observed on her trips back. As soon as the plane touched the ground in Santo Domingo, the passengers would break into applause. It's meaning you ask? You'll have to read the book to find out what it means to clap when you land. But I'll tell you this, the story the author pays reverent tribute to the lives lost in a similar crash in 2001.
As I turned the last page, I bowed down to Acevedo's wordplay, rhymes, alliteration and imagery that make me want to read more from her.
I feel that poetry lovers will deeply enjoy this read. That being said, I'd highly recommend this book to everyone.
Told in verse from the alternating dual first-person perspectives, we follow the life and upbrings of both Camino and Yahaira before and after the central figure in their life passes on. At first the stories are delivered separately but towards the end the story converges and becomes one.
I was spellbound by how the author delivered such powerful meaning using proses that rhymed, reasoned out and resonates with you while the feelings in candor, color and care made the characters come to life. To me every line held meaning to what it means to be betrayed, bereaved, lost, to forgive and finally to find your way home.
With the two dispering perspectives Acevedo allowed me the reader to explore these characters, their grief, fears, loss and vulnerabilities more deeply that I felt like I was part of their life and loss.
Camino’s verses were like poetic prose, flowing and straightforward. Read:
'My life's passions
are all about water breaking, new life making
taking breath in wrinkled flesh.'
While Yahaira’s delivery was more free flowing and urgent, and somewhat cryptic. Read:
' Because I don't know
if Papi is an anchor
at the bottom of the ocean,
I ignore everyone's call. '
Clap When You Land is a deeply profound novel pulls you in, tags your heartstrings and begs you to reflect deeply upon your life. It intricately and delicately portrays themes of grief, sexual assault, sisterhood, betrayal, cultural identity, and family.
The book’s title acknowledges a tradition Acevedo, who was born in New York City to Dominican parents and visited the island nearly every summer, observed on her trips back. As soon as the plane touched the ground in Santo Domingo, the passengers would break into applause. It's meaning you ask? You'll have to read the book to find out what it means to clap when you land. But I'll tell you this, the story the author pays reverent tribute to the lives lost in a similar crash in 2001.
As I turned the last page, I bowed down to Acevedo's wordplay, rhymes, alliteration and imagery that make me want to read more from her.
I feel that poetry lovers will deeply enjoy this read. That being said, I'd highly recommend this book to everyone.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual harassment, and Sexual assault