A review by juliec25
The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea

5.0

Big Angel is the patriarch of a large Mexican family, mostly illegally settled in the South of the USA. He is dying of cancer and plans his last birthday party. The story spans over two days, starting with his mother's funeral and ending with the birthday party. Despite the death theme woven throughout the book, The House of Broken Angels is anything but grim: the minute account of the family gathering bursts with colourful characters and with humour. Big Angel's failing health prompts him to revisit childhood memories and to mend broken ties with siblings and children. His attention to the small details of daily life brings also a lovely touch of poetry to the story. Inspired by his own family history, Luis Alberto Urrea explores complex relationships and celebrates eventful lives full of love. Beautifully written, The House of Broken Angels is my favourite book of the year so far.