November 5th, 2009 in Book Review | 1 Comment »
Lyn Miller-Lachmann writes a heartfelt story with Gringolandia. It is completely honest and gripping. It follows the story of a family who was a victim of the political situation in Chile in the 80s. Gringolandia really brings a new light to readers. Part of what is so intriguing about Gringolandia is that while politics are a major piece in the story, they aren’t overpowering in the story. Gringolandia focuses more on how politics can tear a family apart, and that in itself is really something.
Gringolandia alternates perspectives slightly between being told from Dan’s POV and Courtney’s POV. I really liked how it switched up a bit, and how you hear Courtney’s story as well. You also hear Marcelo’s confessions of what happened, and they just break your heart! You see all the characters change: Marcelo on the verge of going over the edge, Courtney determined, Tina unsure.
Gringolandia is so powerful and emotional. It is a book that will stick with readers.
November 2nd, 2009 in Teen YA Book Tour | 1 Comment »
Gringolandia on it’s fourth day of its YA Book Tour at
Melanie at Melanie’s Musings http://www.melaniesmusings.net/
Though haunted by memories of his father’s arrest in Pinochet’s Chile, Daniel Aguilar has made a new life for himself in the United States–far from politics. But when his father is released, Daniel sees what years of prison and torture have done. Trying to reach his father, Daniel, along with his “gringa” girlfriend, finds himself in the democracy struggle of the country he thought he left behind.
Gringolandia was an intensely captivating read.
The characters, especially Daniel, were all intriguing to watch as they dealt with this person who is nowhere near the one they remember. Watching Daniel struggle to equate this person who once laughed and smiled with this new father who is sullen and demanding after the torture he experienced is tough. Yet I couldn’t blame Daniel’s father for the rough transition everyone is experiencing. Who would not be changed after being hideously tortured?
Then we realize that Daniel’s dad is completely serious about returning to Chile, even after everything that has happened. He refuses to leave a battle half-fought, even if it puts him and his family in grave danger. I have never studied Chile’s political history before, so I had no idea how anything would end. Gringolandia definitely kept me guessing.
This book is, as I said before, a captivating read, and I highly recommend you check it out.
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