Once
again, Belinda Acosta dazzles us with her unique writing style, which
exudes a raw eloquence dripping with vibrant resonance.
Although
complete opposites, Larry and Beatriz have an undivided love between
them. Larry is the type of guy who would be there for Beatriz and would
do anything for her—very rare in a man. When this strange, little girl
shows up, he steps up, assuming the role of “the man.”
My
heart goes out to all the characters, especially Celeste, whose world
was turned upside down with being tossed into the street like garbage
after the sudden death of her mom and then having to live with a horde
of strangers—most of them boys.
The
families were a constant reminder of my own, particularly the part
where all the women were gossiping about the newcomer while the men were
standing outside in silence, eating and drinking. I’d so much rather be
outside.
Full
of mysterious secrets you can’t wait to unravel, and everyone had
secrets that tore at them like razor claws. The characters were
well-drawn as they lure you into an emotional whirl of drama and sinking
turmoil. What I found most interesting was that nearly everyone faced
the decision of choosing sides—between the one they love and the familia
(their blood.)
I
did find it a bit cliché that there had to be a quinceañera, but, then
again, this was a quinceañera novel. I would’ve liked it better if
Beatriz or the reporter had tried to probe the mysterious death of her
sister, Perla. She didn’t even try to find out who killed her (I
would’ve liked to have known.) But I guess this novel was more
concentrated on the drama rather than the suspense, otherwise it would
be a thriller, right?
Nonetheless,
this was a Mexican fiesta of words. Acosta mixes the traditional and
the non-traditional in a powerful, insightful story.
My rating: 4 stars
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