Summary
A family saga, this novel explores the worlds of the Dominican Republic and New Jersey through the eyes of Oscar, a fantasy loving romantic who loves to write, Lola, his tough as nails sister and their mother, Beli, a domineering matriarch. Narrated primarily by Lola's ex-boyfriend, the novel travels backward in time to explore how the family has suffered because of fuku, a curse particular to Dominicans, and also because of Trujillo, the former Dominican dictator.
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Critique
Full of Latino American slang, this novel's exuberance and lyrical writing are in contrast to the brutality that the characters encounter. Street-smart and sexy, Diaz's first novel is both original and amazing. Highly recommended.
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