A review by booklane
The Savior of 6th Street by Orlando Ortega-Medina

adventurous dark medium-paced

2.0

 Virgilio, a gifted 20-yo young artist of Cuban origins, portraying the gritty aspects of his world (and what he should not see): we are in a dilapidated area of #LosAngeles near #SkidRow, and he is determined to save his neighbourhood. There are many intriguing elements: dangerous mafia men who control the destiny of the area and what happens overnight, interesting queer characters, a young patron whose previous lover has been killed by her father and who seems to be falling for him, the glittering promises of the art world, the cult of #Santeria which his mother professes. In short, there is much to like when urban grit meets #magicalrealism . The writing style in first person is simple and immediate, with a #youngadultfiction feel to it: This stylrdoes not really work for me, but I would warmly recommend it to the many readers who are into it.

Thanks to #Netgalley for a review copy!