A review by kiramke
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez

emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 Excellent story. Complex characters that are sympathetic and aggravating in a real way. It's nice to see someone address the messed up way Puerto Rico is treated, and in a realistic context. Despite myself I was super invested in the family dynamic, horrified and frustrated and invested.
My two complaints are that this should come with a trigger warning for a rape scene that in my view wasn't necessary, and dealt with rather perfunctorily. The stakes were enough without throwing that in to raise them; we see that too much as it is.
The ending, as well, is a bit too pat, not that these characters don't deserve some resolution, but it feels like a very different grade of writing.
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