A review by mcz_reads
Don't Cry for Me by Daniel Black

dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I appreciated the perspective of Don't Cry for Me. Jacob is of a generation concerned more with survival than self-improvement, and the letters he writes to his gay son, Isaac, offer depth and nuance that I don't often see in literature when it comes to flawed fathers. This book offers context without justifying the harm Jacob caused; however, I would have liked to see more validation of how he his wife, Rachel, and Isaac. Jacob's remorse seems to stem more from his loneliness than in his acceptance that he was wrong. I would have liked to see more in general. The epistolary format of the novel was a unique approach and made a quick read of Jacob's life, but I think some non-letter chapters would have added depth to the story. I would have liked to see a little of Isaac's perspective. The writing style is suited to the book's format; it is plain-spoken to match Jacob's character, but Black does no shy away from literary flair when it adds to the story.

I did like this book and I would recommend others pick it up if they are interested. However, I think the people who would benefit most from it--fathers entrenched in toxic masculinity--would be the hardest to convince to read it.
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