I'm surprised! That's the first thing that comes to my mind. I like the book so far (I'm in the middle of chapter 3), it intertwines recent history (yes, I had heard about Trujillo, but didn't know the details) with a very contemporanean story, inmigration. I enjoy a lot the language Mr.Diaz is using, combining very informal expressions, English and Dominican Spanish, but I guess maybe for the non Spanish speakers is not so much fun, because in the Kindle version at least, there is no foot notes explaining. And I like the characters, from La Inca to Oscar, I think that very quickly you get the feeling of what they are going through. And Oscar, even though he is totally nerdy, I have the feeling that he's going to turn into some kind of hero, what do you think? And what about the bad luck thing? He says something like "every caribbean family believes it is haunted", can that really influence the fate of a country? As we all think we are haunted, why should we try doing something better? Something bad will come for sure!!! It's a hard idea if it's really on everybody's psyche. So what are your thoughts so far?
Hey all,
ReplyDeleteI can't remember which chapter I'm in, but I am now meeting the Gangster... So far I am a bit torn about this book, I can not decide if I like it or not.. I also was thinking how someone would read it who doesn't speak spanish (I have the normal book and there are no footnotes there either).. The language is funny and interesting, but my elitist side makes me think "is this really literature"? But I guess it is in "character" with the persons in the book.. One thing I find interesting is the constant use of the N word.. I have been tought by english native speakers that you NEVER use this word - I guess it's different if you are black yourself? But I think he might be also being a bit ironic..
One thing I know for sure, I would appreciate if the parts of DR history would be integrated in the story rather than in large footnotes that break my concentrations from the text..
So far I think I like Lola the most, she is a screwed up teenager till now, but she's tough, and I am intrigued by her relationship with her mother (greek mothers can be similar to Domincan ones I see - though thank god a bit less tough!) And I like Beli, I think her story will be a heart breaking one..
All in all I like the characters, I am also expecting some tranformation from Oscar, but generally I have the feeling that the book is touching upon too many issues (Dominican-ness, women, race, relationships between different immigrants in US) but we don't get a real insight in any.. maybe it's just early in the book, I hope.
To end, the fuku idea is really something.. I mean, for entire nations that have gone through such tough histories, it is no surpise they think it's all a curse, right? I suppose it might be a reason not to fight against stuff, but who can blame them..
I gues this is it from me for now, I am enjoying the book oin general and hope it comes through in the end..!
Yes, I am in!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the use of Dominican slang. The first thing I thought was that this book would be hard to read for a non-Spanish speaker (and even sometimes for non-Dominican speakers)! I think the writer has a very clear idea of his target audience.
Fuku seems to me like a bad excuse. Why fight for things if we are cursed? Why change things if we are cursed? When everyone has been all your life stuffing your head with these ideas, it is difficult to get rid of them, but I find it just a simple and senseless way to explain life.
I feel sorry for Oscar. I don’t get along with the idea of being a certain way if you are from a certain place. This macho and sexist ways get on my nerves, if you are a woman you need to dress like a chorizo in clothes that are 3 sizes small for you. Noooo, thank you! He feels an outsider in both worlds: the Dominican and the American. Identity issues must be a tough part of immigration, especially for younger people.
Like Fenia, I find very disturbing the long footnotes.
I am enjoying the book. However, I am finding the story and characters too sad and harsh.
ReplyDeleteAlthough (maybe like Fenia) sometimes I have doubts about how I like the informal and rough writing style, as well as the approach to language, I also feel it is a powerful tool to bring us closer to the culture and characters J. Diaz is trying to introduce us to.
I have only been in Dominican Republic for a couple of months, but I find in the book a lot of what I have seen in how in daily life people approach relationships, motherhood, women, race… and also the funny, but still accurate, description of Arantxa about women dressing style… Regarding race, and following with Fenia’s comment, I have seen people calling each other “negro” and “negra” in very good terms; actually, just in close relationships, with sweetness and an affectionate nuance. I guess in Dominican Republic might be also used as a derogatory term, but I have not seen it and I am not completely sure (now that I think about it, I am going to find out). Let’s see if Dina, Zenia or Chloe tell us something more about their impressions, knowing the Dominican culture much more than I do.
Finally, I am still trying to decide which character I like the most. Also, I don’t have clear feelings about the kufu thing yet. I always find it is a difficult process for me to understand and not judge these kind of things, like the overwhelming curse, which are too inherent to a culture and which are put as a seed in every little child.
On behalf of Carmen A.
ReplyDeleteHello all, I am also reading the book and I am now progressing much quicker than when I started the book. I am in Chapter III and following very close the story of Beli . And yes, I agree with Fenia’s and Macarena’s comments that the main characters lives are sad and hard. I am not very convinced of the “Fuku” idea that a particular Nation or society is fated to the disaster or to be unsuccessful. I really prefer not to believe on predetermine things or facts.
I must admit that when I started the book I was little lost with the sequence of the story. The writer is not following a chronologic sequence to tell the story and also there are many footnotes and typical/local expressions. Some of them were funny because I perfectly know the meaning. However I can guess how difficult has to be the reading for a non-Spanish reader!
I like the character of “La Inca” on her determination to save Beli (also praying a lot) even if she was in reality her mother-aunt. She wanted the best for her if it was in certain cases stubborn with Beli to put her in the best school in Beni (El Redentor) and become a doctor as her father. Even if there are a lot of mixed feelings, politics and amount of love in this Chapter I am feeling sad when I see how things are changing to Beli. I don’t want to guess how bad will turn out, I still held out there is some hope for her…
Carmen
I think I also like the character of "La Inca" the best, at least at this point. I particularly admire her love for Beli that, despite all Beli's disdains and rebuffs, keeps her from giving up on wanting the best for her.
ReplyDeleteHello there,
ReplyDeleteI am a bit late, third chapter. Also mixed feelings about the book. I found sometimes difficult to go on, the story is getting kind of stereotypical. It also seems to be in line with the biography of the author.
For the moment I feel sorry for Lola. Oscar is not showing nothing interesting and I am lost with so much freaky references. What I like is that I am learning some Dominican history, though I agree that footnotes are a pain (specially with those tiny characters).
Lets read a bit more to have more conclusions.
Interesting your comment about the story and the biography of the author, Monica. While reading, I was wondering how much of the story, if any, had been part of J. Diaz's own life.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the one story in the book brings together pieces of many real lives, and themes and motifs seem to be reminiscent of many immigrant family sagas.
Looking forward to reading about your thoughts on the next chapters.