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delwel 's review for:
The Cemetery of Untold Stories
by Julia Alvarez
In “The Cemetery of Untold Stories” by literary icon Julia Alvarez, Alma Cruz is a successful yet burdened novelist who inherits a plot of land in the Dominican Republic. Instead of conventional use, Alma transforms this land into a cemetery for her unfinished manuscripts and the characters within them that never fully came to life. The novel’s concept is both innovative and deeply resonant, reflecting on the stories that define us and the ones we leave behind (and making it a hauntingly unique setting I wish were real). The story explores themes of storytelling, memory, and the power of unspoken histories through multiple timelines and character perspectives. As the characters narrate their hidden tales to Filomena, the cemetery's caretaker, they find a kind of peace and recognition that had previously eluded them.
As a Dominican, I appreciated the authentic reflections of our culture, subtly woven into the characters' actions and the broader narrative, reminiscent of Junot Diaz's storytelling. The rich, cruel history of the Dominican Republic is poignantly interlaced, intensifying the impact of characters' journeys. Twice I gasped out loud and had to put the book down because, after being connected with the humanity of the characters, they still shocked me with their choices.
Overall, “The Cemetery of Untold Stories" is a captivating piece that marries the allure of magical realism with the poignant depth of historical fiction. I bought a physical copy for my personal bookshelf after listening to the audiobook. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley, RB Media, Julia Alvarez, and Alma Cuervo for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
As a Dominican, I appreciated the authentic reflections of our culture, subtly woven into the characters' actions and the broader narrative, reminiscent of Junot Diaz's storytelling. The rich, cruel history of the Dominican Republic is poignantly interlaced, intensifying the impact of characters' journeys. Twice I gasped out loud and had to put the book down because, after being connected with the humanity of the characters, they still shocked me with their choices.
Overall, “The Cemetery of Untold Stories" is a captivating piece that marries the allure of magical realism with the poignant depth of historical fiction. I bought a physical copy for my personal bookshelf after listening to the audiobook. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley, RB Media, Julia Alvarez, and Alma Cuervo for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.