Book Review
Published May 21, 2024; One World, NetGalley
Genre; literary fiction, contemporary fiction, adult fiction, immigrants
I enjoyed this novel about two American born sisters - Elise, a recent college graduate and Sophie, a high school student, whose mother, illegally in the U.S., was deported back to Brazil after being arrested for long overstaying her work visa. The girls' father, a visitor to the U.S. himself, left the family to return to Ireland a long time ago when Sophie was two years old.How the sisters, half-Irish, half-Brazilian American citizens, manage alone on Nantucket Island, their home, while waiting for their mother to acquire a green card from Brazil is the crux of this novel, a story of one illegal immigrant and her children.
Heart warming as well as revealing, the book looks at the children, especially the older child Elise, who is more affected by the change in their family situation than her younger sister. The story of the girls living their own lives on their own in the U.S. while they wait, and their mother adjusting to her own life back in her country, Brazil, leaves the reader both joyful and a little sadder.
A wonderfully written and executed book on a timely and relevant topic.
Currently reading
See: Loss. See Also: Love, a novel by Yukiko Tominaga
Published May 7, 2024; Scribner, NetGalley
Genre: adult contemporary fiction, literary fiction, Japanese fiction
Description: A debut novel following a Japanese widow raising her son between worlds with the help of her Jewish mother-in-law as she wrestles with grief, loss, and—strangest of all—joy.
Shortly after her husband Levi’s untimely death, Kyoko decides to raise their young son, Alex, in San Francisco, rather than return to Japan. Her nosy yet loving Jewish mother-in-law, Bubbe, encourages her to find new love and abandon frugality but her own mother wants Kyoko to celebrate her now husbandless life. Always beside her is Alex, who lives confidently, no matter the circumstance.
Four sections of vignettes.
I'm intrigued by the mixing of cultures, people, and family in a novel about love and loss.
The Olympics
I found myself getting involved in more games than I thought I'd like, watching fencing and archery, as well as diving, track, cycling, soccer, volleyball, table tennis, gymnastics and more.
Thanks to my son who subscribed so we could enjoy watching the games on tv! Did you watch any of the games?
One of my favorites - the final men's soccer match between France and Spain. Spain won a hard fought game.
What are you reading/watching this week?
Memes: The Sunday Post hosted by The Caffeinated Bookreviewer. Also, It's Monday: What Are You Reading, Sunday Salon, and Stacking the Shelves
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a small commission on each purchase through my blog links. at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
