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A review by orchids
Oye by Melissa Mogollon
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
3.5
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Oye is a novel that follows high schooler Luciana and her stressful life. Her sister is away at college avoiding everything, her mother criticizes her every move, and her grandmother is vain and stubborn as a mule. A sudden event causes her to navigate her rocky family dynamics and discover a hidden and complex family past.
This narrative is told entirely through Luciana's phone conversations with her sister Mari. The reader only hears Luciana's side of the conversation though with the occasional flashback with additional side character dialogue. I will admit that it took some time to get used to this structure, but I ultimately did appreciate this fresh approach to storytelling. The plot hit pretty close to home, so personally, it was tough to get past some plot points involving Luciana's relationship with her mother and her grandmother. That's just me though!!! I did very much enjoy unraveling Luciana's grandmother's past! It felt like I was gabbing with a friend or listening to those normal people gossip podcasts.
Overall, I did like many aspects of this book, but ultimately, it wasn't the perfect book for me. However, that's a me thing more than anything! Anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction about intergenerational families told in a unique way, this book is for you!
Oye is a novel that follows high schooler Luciana and her stressful life. Her sister is away at college avoiding everything, her mother criticizes her every move, and her grandmother is vain and stubborn as a mule. A sudden event causes her to navigate her rocky family dynamics and discover a hidden and complex family past.
This narrative is told entirely through Luciana's phone conversations with her sister Mari. The reader only hears Luciana's side of the conversation though with the occasional flashback with additional side character dialogue. I will admit that it took some time to get used to this structure, but I ultimately did appreciate this fresh approach to storytelling. The plot hit pretty close to home, so personally, it was tough to get past some plot points involving Luciana's relationship with her mother and her grandmother. That's just me though!!! I did very much enjoy unraveling Luciana's grandmother's past! It felt like I was gabbing with a friend or listening to those normal people gossip podcasts.
Overall, I did like many aspects of this book, but ultimately, it wasn't the perfect book for me. However, that's a me thing more than anything! Anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction about intergenerational families told in a unique way, this book is for you!