A review by vivaloslibros_chi
When We Were Widows by Annette Chavez Macias

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

The title focuses on widows but I would say this book is really about women learning to thrive as individuals-- full human beings capable of loving, hurting, and growing because of and despite of their relationship with men. This book is about unlearning the lessons about who you are supposed to be and how you are supposed to be so that you can pursue your interests and desires. This book is about connecting across generations of women who have each, in their own way, carved their own path. It is about generations of women evolving in their relationships past what we have conditioned to believe are the roles of the grandmother, mother, and daughter. It captures so beautifully what it is like to understand that your mother and your grandmother are women, flesh and bone just like you.  This book is about healing.

This book is also about loss, yes the loss of spouses but also of homes, community, and dreams. This story is about women remembering that they are bound to one another, not by blood or loss, but by the dreams they choose to make real because it is never too late to become who you are meant to be. This is a story of failing and being brave enough to try again. 

Author Annette Chavez Macias' engaging storytelling results in a story with momentum and constant discovery. These discoveries are touching and at times, heart wrenching. Grab your tissues because this book gets four hankies and the tear jerker scale!