A review by carlybarly6
The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea

5.0

Luis Urrea’s writing is beautiful and poignant. Pure storytelling, intimate stream of consciousness, poetic musings — it’s all, even the nonsensical banter, deeply moving. Deeply human. Though there are a plethora of characters, with the novel being a Mexican family saga, each drew from me tenderness, amusement, and a deep affection. Centered around the patriarch’s (Big Angel) last birthday party before the cancer kills him, the constant drop-in of family members reads like a wistful and rambunctiousness reunion and final goodbye. I love the De La Cruz familia — as individuals and definitely in their dialogue and life together. And though cut from the same cloth, Urrea honors the very different struggles and joys of every family member. From teenager to already gone, there is sincere validation for the unique and real burdens that each carries. This book is packed with wisdom in every character’s vulnerably honest introspection and is definitely one for re-reading. If for no other reason than the gift of holding this as a beautiful love letter to Mexican families — to those who came before and those who are here now living a vibrant life of love and perseverance.