A Very Fine House

by Rose Molina

When Letty Marquez discovers an elegant-but-decrepit Victorian mansion not far from school, she and her friends decide to keep it a secret and make it their own.

As the Vietnam war escalates, the nation reels from protests, riots, and a drug epidemic. Letty and her friends pit themselves against forces that want the land beneath the house. At the same time, boys, friends, and permissive American culture constantly class with Letty’s Mexican upbringing and her Catholic faith.

In A Very Fine House by Rose Molina, we experience the turmoil of an era where political awareness and social change engulf the lives of young people struggling to come of age. Interwoven in this difficult phase of life, culture clashes exacerbate the struggle in the search for an identity. The story sheds light on these complex issues with both humor and warmth.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

298 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2021

About the author

Born and reared in Southern California, I joined the Air Force right out of high school. My first winter in the midwest was a shock, but I managed to survive and graduated from North Georgia University with a degree in education. Moving back to California, I finished my master's degree at California State University, Long Beach, and went on to teach middle school and high school social science. I enjoy skiing, scuba diving, and gardening. I have two beautiful daughters and five grandchildren. A Very Fine House is my first novel.

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the characters, the time of the story, and the story itself.
A Very Fine House feels almost like a Young Adult novel. It's an easy and enjoyable read.
What I liked the most were the characters which include the house. The differences in cultures of the children.
I'm impressed by the way Rose Molina's novel reminds me of the thinking of my friends and me at that time in life. To be in the head of these girls coming of age. Their innocence, stepping into independence. Especially Letty, growing beyond the culture her mother clung to.
The social issues of that time play in the background: the Vietnam War, drugs, changing of neighborhoods in form and population, and sexual freedom.
It's truly a story of Letty and her girlfriends on the cusp of setting off into their new world.
Rose's writing has a strong sense of identity and place.
It's a single adventure that reflects the changes in the girls' world. The story of the Victorian mansion and its owners reflects a similar time, in some ways, and a time modern-day may have surpassed.

[Nicholas Westerfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story with beautiful writing. Thanks for sharing this story.

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Fine House is an immensely enjoyable read, and it personally was reminiscent (as a sixteen year-old guy) of childhood mentalities and thought processes. It is a look into the dissolution of childhood and the pitfalls involved. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to a multitude of young folks.

[Amanda LaPera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Fine House by Rose Molina is a wonderful coming-of-age story set amidst the chaos and turmoil of the early 1970s. Eighth-grader Letty takes the reader on a journey that shows how as life changes with the world around us, so do we. We hold tightly to people and places, especially a secret, treasured hideaway and of safety and security when we begin to question the society around us, when adult problems of war and racism and religion trickle down into the lives of children. Letty learns that despite there being value in the past, sometimes we must make way for the future.

[Kristine L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This coming of age tale tells the story of Leticia “Letty” Marquez.

Told in the first person in flashback style, Letty looks back on her growing up years and the clash between her Mexican upbringing and her Catholic education. The daughter of immigrants, Letty is caught between competing forces – wanting to “fit in” as a brown-skinned, brown-haired girl in a sea of light-skinned and fair-eyed classmates, family expectations, and trying to navigate the confusing, sometimes mystifying world of boys, and friends. It’s set against the turmoil and turbulence of American culture amid the 1970s.

When thirteen year-old Letty and her girlfriends discover a “decaying corpse of a mansion” across the street from St. Benedict’s Catholic School, Letty sees “the house in my drawings. My house.” Fascinated, the girls find out that the house is owned by Case Memorial Hospital. They learn that the house was built in 1889 by Gerard Case as a house for his daughter, Afton, and her husband. Soon after, “Afton’s house” becomes a serene oasis for the friends. It offers a respite from the strife and turmoil of Viet Nam, violent anti-war protests, civil rights, labor strikes, smog, and gang shootings and all else 1970-ish.

The girls soon come to consider the old mansion “their” house. So they vow to keep it a secret. But then the hospital decides it wants to modernize and expand its parking lot. And Afton’s house stands in the way.

Now what?

A Fine House won’t appeal to everyone. Some readers may find the tone a bit too strident or cynical. (It gets a 7.0 on that Richter scale.) Additionally, readers aren't really clued in as to why the protagonist chooses to revisit her childhood so many years down the road. Proceed with caution.

[David R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader primarily of biographies of sports figures and musicians, I came across “A Very Fine House” via a challenge and a promise. I must say that Rose Molina made me happy that I accepted both as I was captivated and had difficulty removing myself from the world that she created. Her writing is both colorful and fluid, allowing the story to move seamlessly. In addition, her character development is such that her descriptions permit any adult to recognize similar friends and foes from days gone by as well as the experiences that were shared with both.

Despite being written in the first-person viewpoint of a young girl, the prose details situations that any adolescent may encounter as self-awareness and social consciousness develop and the understanding of the complexity of the real world arises. Tragically, the reader is left with a bit of sadness and angst as the protagonist’s growth also verifies the maturity that occurs and the loss of innocence that follows. To do this, the author’s use of symbolism is initially very supple but as the story evolves, it becomes more recognizable and aligns perfectly and succinctly with the protagonist’s personal development.

Although the subject matter and the decade that Ms. Molina utilizes are both heavy and real, she maintains a lightness to her story that keeps the reader engaged and entertained. However, by its conclusion, her message is clear and it is one that I believe should be a justification for “A Very Fine House” to be part of any school curriculum. That being, the pathway of every life is not concretely preordained, but is instead, a determinant of our experiences and the choices that we consciously make as a result of them.

[READER VIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tree-lined neighborhoods, brightly painted houses, porch swings, and basketball hoops filled the pages of thirteen-year-old Letty’s notebook, representing her dreams and aspirations. In 1971, her reality consisted of crowded barrios and apartments, where she shared a room with her two brothers; yet, she discovered beauty in her surroundings. Without a backyard, her playground became the alleys and carports behind the buildings, where her imagination flourished. At the same time, most of her friends lived in charming bungalows or spacious modern homes.

Letty treasured her bond with her best friend, Lynn. Known as the “L Twins,” they were inseparable, united in their experiences. Attending Saint Benedict’s Catholic School, the teachings of the Church inspired their lives, guiding them under the care of their strict Catholic parents.

Letty and her friends, filled with a sense of adventure, wandered through their neighborhood when they stumbled upon an immense, abandoned house, the largest any of them had ever seen. It evoked the image of a neglected villa or a long-forgotten manor, as if it had stepped out of a story penned by a great author. At just thirteen, Letty often felt the weight of unfulfilled dreams and a longing for a life she wished were hers. As they stood before the imposing structure, a mix of anticipation, curiosity, and a touch of fear coursed through her. Together, they decided to explore the house, embarking on a journey that would profoundly impact their lives, opening their hearts and minds to the stories hidden within its walls.

A Very Fine House by Rose Molina delves into the complexities of Hispanic American culture during the 1970s, painting a vivid portrait of a community navigating significant social and political issues. The narrative weaves together themes of friendship, resilience, love, and the turbulent experiences of adolescence. Molina insightfully explores the impact of a strict Catholic upbringing on the lives of teenagers, highlighting how deeply rooted beliefs and expectations shape their identities and choices. Through rich character development and poignant storytelling, the author captures the challenges and triumphs that define the adolescent experience within this cultural context.

The characters in this book are richly developed, profoundly moving, and will resonate with readers of all ages. I believe it would particularly appeal to young adults, Hispanic Americans, and Catholics. The protagonist, Letty, is a thirteen-year-old eighth grader who faces a myriad of challenges as she navigates life during a tumultuous period marked by the Vietnam War. She grapples with the complexities of racism and feels a cultural disconnect from her Catholic upbringing, which her parents fervently encourage but that she struggles to embrace.

As Letty discovers the abandoned house, it catalyzes her growth. Through this house, she uncovers forgotten histories and the poignant memories of those who once lived there, providing her with insight into her own identity and the struggles of her community. This journey also marks the exciting yet confusing experience of her first crush, which adds a layer to her development as she learns about love and the significance of emotional connections.

Throughout her adventures, Letty comes to appreciate the importance of friendships, finding solace and support in her relationships with peers who help her navigate the challenges she faces. This story captures the essence of coming of age, making it relatable and impactful for its audience. I absolutely loved A Very Fine House by Rosa Molina and wholeheartedly give it a radiant five-star review. Its charm and depth left a lasting impression on me.

[Jennifer Swander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip down memory lane! From the 70’s pop-culture references to music and TV shows, to my personal memories of my treasured banana-seat bike, Molina definitely captures the era. As someone who attended Catholic school, I smiled to myself as the main character, Letty, relayed entertaining anecdotes. Any reader can easily identify and laugh at typical kid stuff like saving your friend a place in line during games at recess. In addition to the lighthearted content, Molina balances it with how the young characters navigate an adult world. We see how kids think deeply about both sides of an issue. We see the language barrier experienced by Letty’s mom. And we see how Letty uses her imagination with the house.

Also, I used the novel for my book club group at my Alaskan high school. The teens had very thoughtful commentary as we discussed the book each of the five weeks. As an English teacher, I appreciated the opportunity to enjoy Hispanic literature written about a time period students don’t usually know much about. To help, Molina has an excellent study guide on her website. I was thrilled to have the author join us by Zoom, and she generously gave of her time to answer students’ questions about the novel, her writing journey, and the publishing process.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was well-written and easy to read. The characters were diverse and exuberant. The main characters in this book were full of a type of passion I admire. I enjoyed imagining the true main character in this book, the abandoned mansion; I could picture the stained glass ceiling and beautiful sunroom, as well as the overgrown garden that supposedly used to contain a beautiful arrangement of flowers. I have to admit, there were some times that I questioned the behaviors of certain characters, such as the way friends treated each other, but it surprisingly didn’t seem to have any huge impacts. The author sheds light on certain difficult topics such as racism, religion, and war, as well as some fun topics like popular music, clothing, and trends. All of this was absorbed through the eyes of a young girl in a not-so-modern time period. As a 15-year-old girl myself, I felt that I could relate to the narrator of the book, Letty, who struggles with finding her own identity and making her own choices without feeling too influenced by her parents, friends, or teachers. This isn’t a book full of a lot of action or one that contains a fairy tale ending, however, if you are looking for a quick read from a quite different point of view, then I would recommend this book.

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

At a glance, A Very Fine House shows the perspective of an immigrant family from Mexico living in California. However, this book demonstrates much more by shining a light on the viewpoint of youth during the Vietnam War, which is often not a subject for many books. The plot follows the experiences and friendships of a group of middle school girls as they begin to find their true selves, as well as their new obsession, an abandoned house. A Very Fine House blends the historic events of the 1970s while also providing the reader with dynamic and strong-minded characters. At times, it seems this book shows its characters as extremely ignorant and stubborn, which occasionally felt unrealistic. Although this was the only time in the book where I felt it was irrational. Overall, this book is very unique in that it provides its reader with accurate information while blending a solid storyline with distinctive characters. A Very Fine House should definitely be added to anyone’s reading list who’s interested in learning more about the youth’s perspective of the 1970s while still having the experience of a satisfactory plot.

[Erica Espejo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was sold to me as, "Remember that movie, 'Now and Then?'"

Taking place in the early 1970s, our FMC navigates her last year in middle school before she attends high school. Her friends find an old Victorian house which become their secret hangout. The house is also a metaphor for childhood and growing up. As a reader, you also feel attached to the house. We spend a bit of time learning about who lived there and each room. This house is special to the FMC and her besties. I also liked how the FMC attends a Catholic school and begins to question The Church's rigid rules in a way that a child would pose these questions. It's never coming from a place of malice or critique. It's normal questions that child would ask like, "Why is the sky blue?" I felt this was handled with so much care.

This is one of my favorite Summer 2026 reads. Give this indie book a shot if you see it around! Definitely a tale of friendship, growing up, during a volatile time during American history.

[Mary Camarillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nostalgic look at the turbulent 1970’s. Rose Molina thoughtfully captures all the angst and emotion of a Mexican American teenager negotiating the permissive American culture against her strict Catholic parents. Molina has done her research and skillfully wages in all the important details of politics, music, and clothing. This coming of age story has an adult slant and will appeal to readers of all ages.

[Heather Pritts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through a giveaway on GoodReads. Very good YA novel!

[Frederik · Rating 5 out of 5]

The titular house isn’t haunted by ghosts, but by the hopes and dreams of teenaged girls coming of age in the turbulent early 70s. Told through the perspective of a girl striving to reconcile her Mexican heritage and Catholic education with the realities of American life, the story pits the teenaged concerns of highnschool, friendship, boys, and preparing for the future with the uncertainty spanning.the Vietnam war, Watergate, and cultural differences. The house itself becomes a symbol of the inevitability of change. How Letty and her friends engage with that inevitability is the rite of passage into adulthood, beautifully written with compassion and insight.