A review by jedore
The Veins of the Ocean by Patricia Engel

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

“...the internet is the world's biggest backyard freezer, keeping everything fresh...”

This is a quiet story about big emotions. It follows Reina, a young Colombian woman, as she navigates life in Miami, balancing the demands of family and her own aspirations. The novel delves into the immigrant experience, exploring themes of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family.

Engel does a fantastic job of crafting Reina as a complex and relatable character. Her struggles felt authentic and raw, and I found myself invested in her journey. Nesto, her Cuban boyfriend, could have benefited from further exploration. The supporting characters remained in the shadows.

I was initially frustrated by Reina's decision to prioritize her brother's life over her own. But, a surprising plot twist completely flipped my perspective. While the reveal wasn’t exactly jaw-dropping, it added a layer of depth to the story that I appreciated.

As someone who has spent the last three years living in Panama, I connected deeply with the immigrant experience portrayed in the novel. My experiences enabled me to connect to Reina and Nesto’s struggles on a more personal level. I was rooting for their happiness, whether they chose to be together or apart.

This is a slow-paced novel that is a poignant story about family trauma and the immigrant experience. If you're into action, it's not going to be for you. But, if you appreciate a literary exploration of the complexities of human relationships, give it a read. 
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