A review by jdscott50
Napalm in the Heart by Pol Guasch

dark emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Nations at war often don't feature the impacted civilians and are unaware of what is happening. IT's frightening and alienating.  The young man documents his life through letters to his boyfriend, Boris. When his mother tries to get a lover, who is one of the soldiers occupying their area, he tricks him, ties him up, and lets him starve to death to be devoured by animals. A metaphor for the life of the refugee, freed from that trap. 

It is a sprawling and poetic story about war and its impacts. We don't see it as the reader, but we know it is there. We are just as clueless as refugees. 

Favorite Passage:
I always reminded myself that he was profoundly nostalgic, deep down, because he was missing something he’d never had, and that’s the worst nostalgia you can have.