Scan barcode
A review by skeptic_hecate
Solito by Javier Zamora
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.25
This book is a candid reflection of the reality many families face (or faced back in the day since nowadays there are probably other methods and worse tragedies). Maybe a bit too candid. The amount of poop, pee and fart references I read in this book, I swear the kid is obsessed with poop. Then again, how would I know.
The book is written in a distinctly childish perspective. As if it was the 9 year old Javier writting the book. I get the stylistic choice, although I personally don't like it. It made the book frustrating to read at times, at least for me. What I found hard to believe is how can the author remember everything at a vivid and exact detail after so many years, I mean, even colours, flavours, plants, faces and expressions. The author has a very good memory of the events.
On the other hand, reading this horrible and hard journey through the eyes of a 9 year old made the reading experience a bit annoying, if only because 9 year olds are not very interesting locutors. However, the story and the traumatic events really carry the entire book. I couldn't help but to imagine myself in the situation, fearing all through the end that I won't make it.
I do recommend the book, although I think it could have benefited from a little bit of editing. Also, putting the word "también" in as many intervals as possible made the reading experience a bit chaotic. I get the bilingual attributes of the book, but it could've been done better.
The book is written in a distinctly childish perspective. As if it was the 9 year old Javier writting the book. I get the stylistic choice, although I personally don't like it. It made the book frustrating to read at times, at least for me. What I found hard to believe is how can the author remember everything at a vivid and exact detail after so many years, I mean, even colours, flavours, plants, faces and expressions. The author has a very good memory of the events.
On the other hand, reading this horrible and hard journey through the eyes of a 9 year old made the reading experience a bit annoying, if only because 9 year olds are not very interesting locutors. However, the story and the traumatic events really carry the entire book. I couldn't help but to imagine myself in the situation, fearing all through the end that I won't make it.
I do recommend the book, although I think it could have benefited from a little bit of editing. Also, putting the word "también" in as many intervals as possible made the reading experience a bit chaotic. I get the bilingual attributes of the book, but it could've been done better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse