A review by arrowsartsandbooks
Pedro & Daniel by Federico Erebia

5.0

This is a historical-fiction story about two brothers named Pedro and Daniel who are Mexican-American and gay. They live in extremely Catholic family which means they often encounter homophobia and colorism. The boys try, but never seem to meet their abusive mother's expectations for them. This story takes place from the 1960-90's. The reader follows the lives of the two brothers from alternating perspectives. By understanding both the character's thought and emotions in a given situation, it really helps to connect with the characters. One brother goes to school to become a priest and the other goes to school to become a doctor. This plan doesn't entirely work out due to the AIDS crisis. The brothers are both deeply affected by this epidemic. The ending made me sob and there were other moments in the book where I teared up. Proverbs are woven into the story in order for Pedro and Daniel to understand and figure out how to approach any predicament they face. This is a beautifully written and historically accurate piece of fiction that shows how people struggled to embrace their sexuality and race in an abusive household and a racist and homophobic society.