cora_hreads's reviews
35 reviews

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez

challenging emotional reflective tense slow-paced

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

3.75

 Love in the Time of Cholera, by Gabriel García Márquez, explains the many distinct types of love and how they enrich the human experience with its different manifestations. Love in the Time of Cholera takes place in various locations in Colombia during the 19th century, and readers are taken through it in the perspectives of Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza, from when they met as young teenagers to their mid-seventies. In the book, García Márquez doesn’t discuss the conflicts within all of Colombia – instead, he discusses how difficult maturing is while managing all of the societal standards set for young people at that time. The special thing about this book is the dual narrative, which allows readers to see how differently standards are set for different social classes. Though the two characters have to address different challenges within Colombian society, there is a common thread between them – they must overcome conflicts regarding how they see and feel love in their lives. 

When Fermina Daza rejects Florentino Ariza, he makes it his life goal to win her back regardless of how long it will take. Florentino sees love in soulmates and believes that Fermina is his. Though he courts and loves hundreds of women before finally marrying Fermina, he considers them as replacements for his true love. While Fermina is married to Dr. Juvenal Urbino, she does everything in her power to stay away from Florentino, even though she thinks about him often while living in different social classes. Fermina, however, is not sure how to see love. During her marriage to Dr. Urbino, she questions if either man’s pursuit, Florentino’s or Dr. Urbino’s, was even worth acknowledging because she hasn’t figured out what love truly is. 

…she loved him as little as she had loved the other one, but knew much less about him… a militant Catholic like him would offer her only worldly goods: security, order, happiness, contiguous numbers that, once they were added together, might resemble love, almost be love. But they were not love, and these doubts increased her confusion, because she was also not convinced that love was really what she most needed to live (García Márquez, 205). 

By understanding how both characters differ in the value of love in their lives, Love in the Time of Cholera addresses the cultural conflicts which come about because they live in two different social classes by expanding on its main characters’ struggles defining what love means to them. Their definitions of love affect how they interact within their respective social classes. 

García Márquez has a very flowery writing style that helps him deeply explain and define the ideas in his books. His specific use of diction gives readers a clear insight to how Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza feel about love in their lives. Florentino’s feelings are that one love is forever. For example, when he visited Dr. Juvenal Urbino’s funeral, he “…placed his hat over his heart, tremulous and dignified, and the abscess that had sustained his life finally burst. ‘Fermina,’ he said, ‘I have waited for this opportunity for more than half a century, to repeat to you once again my vow of eternal fidelity and everlasting love’” (García Márquez, 50). By using words like “dignified,” “eternal,” and “everlasting,” readers are able to understand how strongly Florentino Ariza believes in his soulmate ideology. This also reflects on how dedicated he is to climb up the social ladder, even if it takes decades, in order to be able to reach Fermina Daza and overcome the obstacles that had previously prevented their relationship. 

For Fermina Daza, she is unsure about how she feels about love. When she was a teenager and still interested in Florentino Ariza, she would exchange letters with him that often did not reciprocate his complete feelings, as “In reality they were distracted letters, intended to keep the coals alive without putting her hand in the fire…” (García Márquez, 69). The metaphor that García Márquez uses there tells readers that Fermina used her hesitant feelings to give herself a sense of security – if she didn’t feel the extremes of love, she wouldn’t have to deal with them at all. This perspective would help her later in her life with Juvenal Urbino, as her lack of understanding of love allowed her to be free and independent within her social class. 

The cultural conflict in Love in the Time of Cholera was how the two main characters could come together, even though their social classes and ideas of love put them apart. This topic is frequently discussed in the book, as Florentino Ariza must consider it whenever he meets a woman he’s interested in. Also, readers are given multiple different perspectives of how the conflict is handled. For example, when Florentino meets Leona Cassiani, he has to understand, over time, that she isn’t regulated to her low class because of her dedication to making a name for herself. Additionally, when he meets a rich woman (Olimpia Zuleta), he learns that he must consider potential risks for himself and his mistress because of Olimpia’s fatal ending after their affair. In regard to Florentino Ariza’s development, Love in the Time of Cholera effectively addressed its cultural conflict through frequent discussions and the use of different perspectives on the same scenario. This is not the same for Fermina Daza, however. 

Fermina tends to stay in one area and manages issues within herself and her family. More often than not, readers cannot see how Fermina must overcome the difficulties of love, except for when she flees to her cousin, Hildebranda Sánchez, when Dr. Juvenal Urbino conducts an affair. Even so, she comes back to him quickly and does not address her bottled-up anger. Readers do get a deeply personal insight to Fermina Daza, but they do not get her understanding of the cultural conflict – in total, Fermina Daza’s perspective does not effectively address the cultural conflict in all of Love in the Time of Cholera because it is mostly one-sided with little variance in Fermina’s emotions and situations. Now, considering both Florentino Ariza’s and Fermina Daza’s perspectives on the cultural conflict within the book, Love in the Time of Cholera does a fair job at addressing how the two main characters could come together, even though their social classes and ideas of love put them apart. 

The themes in Love in the Time of Cholera are certainly universal – love is an emotion that everyone not only comes across, but also must deal with regarding their social standings. The deep emotions that Florentino Ariza feels for Fermina Daza can are deeply recognized across the Americas and Europe, as most of the cultures are based upon morality and going with a “gut feeling.” Fermina’s conflictions regarding herself and her family can be widely understood in the Middle East and Asia because the most important values in most countries are set in keeping a good family and doing what is considered best for the wellbeing of everyone. The specific details of García Márquez’s story may not exactly be applicable to each nation, but their hidden meanings and messages about how the two main characters could come together, even though their social classes and ideas of love put them apart, without a doubt, can. 

Knot Again by Kwana Jackson

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Knot Again was the perfect romance to read in one sitting. It was thoughtful and realistic -- its most striking feature -- with an incredible sense of humanity twisted all within. Sydney and Lucas were endearing characters in their own right, and the Harlem community fit the story so well.

What surprised me the most about this book was the realistic take on Sydney's divorce and the pressure Lucas faced from his past. The tension and difficulties between them were never blown-out or over-the-top -- they were handled like how real, grown adults would deal with their problems. When they had to face the rekindling romantic feelings from their teen years, they didn't fall completely into them or totally ignore them until the end. I really liked how Jackson treated her characters, really. No unrealistic suspense, no high school hormonal dramatics; just real people who can handle themselves like adults. It all made sense.

I feel like Knot Again was repetitive in its scenes. The depth behind Lucas and Sydney was valuable, but whenever their pasts were delved into, I didn't feel like I was more connected to them. Towards the end, when Lucas finally tells Sydney about the guilt he's carried since childhood, the feel in the room doesn't seem as serious as it might've been in reality. The later events, too, don't reflect how Sydney might have interacted with Lucas after finding out that information, either. It's a minor detail that I found, but with every other interaction being more mature than most authors would make their characters, I thought it was odd to have such an important scene lean towards the fleeting, there-to-end-a-subplot purpose.

Overall, I liked Knot Again a lot. It was enjoyable all throughout and was able to have realistic characters that not only could people relate to, but they could also be put in the reader's life and make sense. 3/5 stars.

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

adventurous hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

One Italian Summer was a book I couldn't put down! The plot was engaging and loving, with themes of happiness and grief being explored in-depth with an amount of detail that made Katy feel real. I liked that there were different aspects of Katy's life that all supported the main theme/plot, and that they kept building her up as a character. The sensory detail -- usually describing the sunsets, restaurants, and cityscape -- was almost like an Italian retreat in itself.

I do think, however, that the time travel could've been utilized differently. When I finished, I kept thinking about how the plot could've differed had time travel been a more common feature throughout the book instead of just towards the end.

Characters like Adam, Marco, Carlo, and Carol were fun and unique, which made the Hotel Poseidon very inviting. I did realize that the book was a bit Hallmark-movies-esque -- a bit basic with the climax, specifically -- but that was my only "qualm" with this story, if you can call it a qualm. Overall, if I ever needed a comfort read, One Italian Summer would be one of my top choices. 4/5 stars.

In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

challenging emotional informative inspiring sad tense slow-paced

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

3.75

In the Time of the Butterflies was an unforgettable read. It made Marìa Teresa, Patria, Minerva, and Dedé real people, not just revolutionary figures to be idolized. I understood the fear that Mate had as she grew up, especially being away from Jacqui and the rest of her family. I personally really liked how she was always writing in a book entry style -- it felt very authentic to Mate. Additionally, Patria was one of my favorite characters, given her devotion to religion, her family, and her revolutionary efforts. She cared so much about everything; she just loved unconditionally, even in her final hours. Dedé's reflective and story-like perspective evoked a lot of sympathy from me. Whenever it was her chapter, I always felt like I was right there with her, sitting in the same room and listening to the memories of her sisters and family. Minerva was very unique. She was both a dedicated revolutionary, as well as just a person. In most posthumous works, significant figures are painted as an underdog with little-to-no struggles as they rose in power/to fame, but that isn't how they truly were. Minerva, like all other prison inmates, was affected by her time once she got out. Even for la mariposa, the head of the start of the Dominican revolution, wanted to settle down and move on for some time. Minerva is mighty and human, and I feel like that perspective should be taken and applied to other historical revolutionaries, especially if they are admired by people today.

1.25 points were taken off because in the latter half of Part 3, the writing became a bit stale and dry. I can see why, given that the sisters (except Dedé) were imprisoned and thus couldn't give Alvarez a lot of information to work off of, but for what Alvarez could use, it could have been better. The drama, controversey, and after-affect of the deaths of La Mariposas, IMO, could've been done up just a bit more to add in that punch for the end of the story. This would've allowed it to become soft, as Dedé has moved on from their deaths, but still let new readers understand the depth of the sisters' death and their actions in the revolution. However, I do like how the end of the book had a similar feeling to the beginning -- it was reflective and gentle, just under different circum stances.

Overall, In the Time of the Butterflies was an excellent read. It told the story of four amazing women in a way that humanized them and respected them, which I greatly appreciated. 3.75/5 stars.

The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick

adventurous lighthearted reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

When I began reading The Messy Lives of Book People, I was expecting a story that was about the close-knit relationship between an author and her cleaner, but I was vastly disproven and introduced to a much wider perspective with numerous characters that held, even if small, a significant part for both Liv and Essie. At times they blended together — namely Essie’s husbands & Marlon — but one-on-one it was clear to understand how they each affected Essie, and subsequently how they impacted Liv.

I liked that there was a good amount of personal struggle for Liv that was unrelated to Essie and finishing the book. Her marital struggles and trying to find herself within all of it was a process in which I not only enjoyed reading about, but that I felt was necessary to the plot; it made the whole story make sense instead of breaking it into Plot A and Plot B. Patrick wove the two aspects of Liv’s life together very well, IMO.

Essie seemed a bit too idolized, even with the people closest to her. None of the letters to or from her made Essie seem like a more personable prescience — she always seemed like Essie Starling, not Elsbeth or an employer. Maybe it was a directed move, but I felt more connected to Liv than Essie. I would’ve preferred to see a bit more of Essie and her inner workings, but she was a recluse for 10 years… Makes sense, but would’ve been preferable.

Jake, honestly, wasn’t as strong of a character as he could’ve been. Yes, he rearranged his business and started working out the kinks in his and Liv’s marriage, but it didn’t seem like there was an arc of change in him like there was for Liv — he only started changing when Liv discovered the student flat, which was significantly closer to the end of the book than it should’ve been. I also wish Mack was a bit stronger, more like a figure to look up to for Johnny and a reason to be on his own.

Overall, The Messy Lives of Book People was a lovely read and delivered in all its strongest aspects — 4/5 stars!

Outlawed by Anna North

adventurous informative inspiring relaxing medium-paced

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

5.0

 Outlawed was a book far different than anything I’ve read before. It was introspective, had great amounts of social commentary, and represented all different kinds of groups. The story seems to drag on for most of the book, but once tension builds at the end everything begins to make sense. We learn so much about the outlaws in Hole in the Wall individually and even more once they’re all put together. You follow Ada the entire way through, but characters like News, Agnes Rose, and Lark are their own personalities that don’t just help Ada. Outlawed advocates for everyone represented in it and tells readers of the intricacies when everything is put into the big picture. I just love Outlawed -- I learned so much more than I expected.

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

 The Book of Lost Names is a story of bravery, the strain of seemingly-forbidden love, and incredible strength of one woman during a time of great peril. Though the pacing seemed slow for a majority of the book, the character development of Eva and Rémy greatly made up for any drag. When Rémy wanted to go off and fight for France via the Resistance, I understood how both characters felt. I wanted Rémy to trust his gut and fight, but, as Eva felt, I wanted him to stay so he’d at least be alive and around. The ending had broken and mended my heart, given everything that had happened. I was rendered speechless -- something unusual -- and it told me everything I needed to know about how I felt about The Book of Lost Names. The only reason I take off .5 points is because some of the dramatic moments didn’t feel very impactful. Otherwise, this piece was a work of art.

We Were Kings by Court Stevens

adventurous challenging funny informative tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was an intriguing read, for sure. It started as a bit of a drag, but towards the middle to later 3rd of the book, the plot got good. The characters were all well-developed, with flaws and all. Nyla was stubborn but determined; Sam was sensitive and comical; Elizabeth was a bit reckless but extremely loving. Cassandra was an icon, given how cunning she was. I loved her not because of the story, but because of her charisma. I’d love to meet her in person.

The only thing that I wish was different was that the threats to Nyla were more correlated to the rest of the case - instead of the midnight spook, it could’ve been a broken necklace. It would’ve added more to the case and made Sam and Nyla suspicious of if the killer was serial or not. That could’ve raised the stakes a little bit, though it wouldn’t be for long. It didn’t feel connected enough to Ned, IMO.

Overall, I really liked We We’re Kings. It was enticing and a good beginning thriller/murder-mystery. 4/5 stars, as the threats to Nyla could’ve been more linked to the rest of the investigation.

Starling by Isabel Strychacz

adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Starling was a read that I didn't expect to love as much as I did. I started reading it as per usual, a bit bored with the pacing and the miscommunication trope, but once Starling arrived and the risks became more intense, I ate the book up. Delta, Bee, Starling (of course), and Tag were deep, heart-aching characters who all seemed so real as I read on. The character growth in Starling is palpable and like an energy you can feel. The prose was beautiful, although physical descriptions repeated a lot. Yes, Starling is tall. Yes, Delta and Bee have bright, exciting green eyes. Yes, Tag is supposed to always be put together. Anyway, I absolutely loved this book. It had all of the depth that I've been missing lately and a wonderful, tasteful mix of a character-driven and plot-driven story. You're disconnected from reality while reading Starling, and not just because it relates to magic and interstellar commotions. The intensity of the Wildings' father missing is not as striking as I thought it'd be, which I actually appreciated. We were able to focus on the effects of missing a father, not just his presence being gone. The abuse that Delta and Bee suffer from the town is so telling of our own society, and that was a consistent thought I had throughout the book. God, I absolutely loved this book - it's hard to say everything I want to. Please, just read this.

Murder of Crows by K. Ancrum

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

I liked that Murder of Crows was a short but impactful story. The characters weren’t super dimensional, but Tig, Wyn, Abuela/Sofia, and Noel were. I liked the idea of the plot line and for the most part it was executed well, but there were multiple potential clues that could’ve given the plot more depth. The poems, for example, didn’t really say much for the relationship between Noel and Sofia, except for that they were likely in a WLW relationship. I wish that it would’ve been looked into further why Noel and Sofia chose the specific poems they did. Also, Wyatt’s death was incredibly uncharacteristic, even though the audience met him briefly — it wasn’t ever explained what specifically happened to him. We had the chance to get an explanation, but the chapel went up in flames along with Franklin, so we’ll never know. The pacing, however, was very well suited for the plot. It kept my attention while going between the main plot and its subplots, like the romantic storyline between Wyn and Tig. The imagery and sensory detail was just enough to describe the real setting without taking away the reader’s imagination, so I really appreciated that.
Overall, I give Murder of Crows 3.75/5 stars for a well thought-out plot and good characters, but the minor details added up a bit too much at the end.