Junot Díaz’s name has graced so many “must read before fill in the blank age” or “short stories that will change your life” or general “you’ve gotta check this out” lists that I figured it was time to pick up one of his books. After consulting the always trusty KJ as to which of his books to read, This Is How You Lose Her was determined to be the best Díaz to start with.
Aside from catching myself almost calling it This Is Where I Leave You just about every time I told someone what I was reading this week, this book is unlike many books I’ve read before. It wasn’t different for the presentation of the firsthand cultural experience, as I’ve read a lot of books sharing that perspective- it was more that frame without a whole lot of context. What I both really enjoyed and found really frustrating about the book was the lack of explanation of the cultural meanings behind some of what was said. It is my own knowledge deficit that I did not understand some of the nuanced relationships among ethnic groups; it was a little confusing to follow in places but also piqued my interest considerably. It was at the same time a feeling of inclusion and exclusion, as I felt as if I was gaining a unique look into another culture while also feeling as if I couldn’t fully immerse myself into it.
Beyond the context, it was beautifully written. I absolutely loved the fluidity of the book, especially the full lack of quotation marks- weird for someone with a grammar obsession, but this was the best way to break the rules and I wish more authors did it. Quotes flowed seamlessly through prose, not distracting the reader by breaking up the story. Characters spoke and thought in English, but with a considerable amount of Spanish thrown in and on a personal level, I loved being able to understand both. (If you’re a casual Spanish speaker looking to feel more of that validation, check out the new show Jane the Virgin– similar presentation of a similar level of the language.)
Good book, quick read, a little graphic in parts but nothing too extreme…and a good inspiration to start re-learning Spanish.
You’ll like this if: you’d like a non-contextual but real insider peek into another culture.
Happy reading!
carlyreads 