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siobhanward's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
NYT Notable Books 2019: 49/100
This is one of those books where the intention is great but the execution kind of falls flat. Luiselli was trying to tell so many stories in the book: the family, Manuela's daughters, the lost children, the plight of immigrants crossing the US border and at some point it just became too much. The idea of the archive model was interesting but I think there was so much happening that it didn't have the impact it was supposed to. This book was a really cool idea but I just don't think it worked for me.
This is one of those books where the intention is great but the execution kind of falls flat. Luiselli was trying to tell so many stories in the book: the family, Manuela's daughters, the lost children, the plight of immigrants crossing the US border and at some point it just became too much. The idea of the archive model was interesting but I think there was so much happening that it didn't have the impact it was supposed to. This book was a really cool idea but I just don't think it worked for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
thebearnest's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Violence