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Speak to Me of Home
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jeanine Cummins comes a deeply felt multigenerational family story that asks: What does it mean to call a place home?
On her wedding day in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1968, Rafaela Acuña y Daubón has mild misgivings, but she marries Peter Brennan Jr. anyway, in a blaze of romantic optimism. She has no way of knowing how dramatically her life will change when she uproots her young family to start over in the American Midwest, unleashing a fleet of disappointments. Against the backdrop of her mother’s isolation in St. Louis, Missouri in the 1980s, Rafaela’s daughter, Ruth Brennan, longs only to belong. Eager to fit in, Ruth lets go of her language, habits, and childhood memories of Puerto Rico. It's not until decades later, when Ruth’s own daughter, Daisy, returns to Puerto Rico that her mother and grandmother begin to truly reflect on the choices that have come to define their lives.
When a hurricane ravages the island in 2023, leaving Daisy critically injured, Rafaela and Ruth return to the city where it all began. As they gather at Daisy’s bedside, they’re confronted by the pasts that brought them to this point. We follow them as they come of age, fall in love, take risks, and contend with all the heartbreaks, triumphs, and reversals of fortune — both good and bad — that make up a meaningful life. As old memories come to light, so do buried secrets, leaving everyone in the family wondering exactly where it is that they belong.
A striking, resonant examination of marriage, family, and identity, Speak to Me of Home is ultimately a story of mothers and daughters that asks: how can three women who share geography and genetics have such wildly different ideas of where it is they come from? And more importantly, can they discover the common language to find their way home?
On her wedding day in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1968, Rafaela Acuña y Daubón has mild misgivings, but she marries Peter Brennan Jr. anyway, in a blaze of romantic optimism. She has no way of knowing how dramatically her life will change when she uproots her young family to start over in the American Midwest, unleashing a fleet of disappointments. Against the backdrop of her mother’s isolation in St. Louis, Missouri in the 1980s, Rafaela’s daughter, Ruth Brennan, longs only to belong. Eager to fit in, Ruth lets go of her language, habits, and childhood memories of Puerto Rico. It's not until decades later, when Ruth’s own daughter, Daisy, returns to Puerto Rico that her mother and grandmother begin to truly reflect on the choices that have come to define their lives.
When a hurricane ravages the island in 2023, leaving Daisy critically injured, Rafaela and Ruth return to the city where it all began. As they gather at Daisy’s bedside, they’re confronted by the pasts that brought them to this point. We follow them as they come of age, fall in love, take risks, and contend with all the heartbreaks, triumphs, and reversals of fortune — both good and bad — that make up a meaningful life. As old memories come to light, so do buried secrets, leaving everyone in the family wondering exactly where it is that they belong.
A striking, resonant examination of marriage, family, and identity, Speak to Me of Home is ultimately a story of mothers and daughters that asks: how can three women who share geography and genetics have such wildly different ideas of where it is they come from? And more importantly, can they discover the common language to find their way home?
384 pages, Hardcover
First published May 13, 2025
1242 people are currently reading
27149 people want to read
About the author
Jeanine Cummins
14 books6,128 followersJeanine Cummins is the author of four books: the bestselling memoir A Rip in Heaven, and the novels The Outside Boy, The Crooked Branch, and American Dirt. She lives in New York with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 742 reviews
May 30, 2025
The title itself speaks to me of a feeling of nostalgia.
3 generations of women. Descendants of Puerto Ricans.The distance created over time; over distance; over values.
When one is in a car accident in San Juan, the 3 are reunited back.
What united them wasn’t just familial ties. They faced challenges where they went- in the U.S. they experienced racism; in Puerto Rico, class discrimination. Systematically created. Since the 50’s up to and including today. Secrets held for decades; truths finally realized. The entanglement of relationships.
This story speaks to the power of family.
It did move a little slow for me and there were several characters to keep track of. So although this was no American Dirt
, it was still a solid and enjoyable story.
4⭐️
3 generations of women. Descendants of Puerto Ricans.The distance created over time; over distance; over values.
When one is in a car accident in San Juan, the 3 are reunited back.
What united them wasn’t just familial ties. They faced challenges where they went- in the U.S. they experienced racism; in Puerto Rico, class discrimination. Systematically created. Since the 50’s up to and including today. Secrets held for decades; truths finally realized. The entanglement of relationships.
This story speaks to the power of family.
It did move a little slow for me and there were several characters to keep track of. So although this was no American Dirt
, it was still a solid and enjoyable story.4⭐️
May 18, 2025
Three generations of women in a family, a family saga with secrets of the past buried and not revealed to the family until the end. Three different experiences of a young woman, her mother and her grandmother, but yet they share a journey for acceptance, a sense of belonging and an understanding of how their heritage shaped who they are . Spanning decades reflecting their grief and loss , love and happiness, the novel moves back and forth in time from the 1960’s to 2023 , and between multiple places - Puerto Rico, the birthplace of the mother and grandmother to St. Louis , to Palisades. It’s more than just a family drama, though . It’s also a commentary on the immigrant experience, what it means to leave one’s home , a focus on the racism of the ‘60’s and 70’s that still reverberates today.
I received a copy of this book from Macmillan through Edelweiss .
I received a copy of this book from Macmillan through Edelweiss .
October 20, 2024
Unveiling the Roots of Identity
In her latest novel, "Speak to Me of Home," Jeanine Cummins weaves a rich tapestry of family, identity, and the eternal quest for belonging. With the same deft hand that brought us "American Dirt," Cummins explores the intricate threads that connect three generations of women as they navigate the complex terrain between Puerto Rico and the American Midwest. This multigenerational saga is a testament to the power of storytelling, offering readers a profound meditation on what it truly means to call a place home.
A Symphony of Voices
At its heart, "Speak to Me of Home" is a story told through the voices of three remarkable women:
Rafaela Acuña y Daubón: The matriarch who leaves her beloved Puerto Rico for the promise of a new life in St. Louis
Ruth Brennan: Rafaela's daughter, caught between two worlds and desperate to belong
Daisy Hayes: Ruth's daughter, whose journey back to Puerto Rico sets in motion a reckoning for the entire family
Cummins masterfully intertwines their narratives, creating a symphony of voices that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Each woman's story is a unique melody, harmonizing with the others to create a powerful exploration of identity, heritage, and the bonds that tie us to our roots.
The Ache of Displacement
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in Cummins' ability to capture the visceral ache of displacement. Rafaela's journey from the vibrant streets of San Juan to the unfamiliar landscape of the Midwest is rendered with exquisite detail. The author's vivid prose brings to life the sights, sounds, and smells of both worlds, allowing readers to experience the cultural whiplash alongside the characters.
"Rafaela had never cared much for simplicity, and certainly not on her wedding day."
This opening line sets the tone for Rafaela's character arc, hinting at the complexities and challenges that await her in her new life. Cummins excels at portraying the subtle indignities and microaggressions Rafaela faces in St. Louis, from the mispronunciation of her name to the well-meaning but ignorant comments about her heritage.
The Price of Assimilation
Ruth's story serves as a poignant exploration of the price of assimilation. As she grows up in St. Louis, we witness her gradual distancing from her Puerto Rican roots:
The loss of her native Spanish
The rejection of cultural traditions
The desire to blend in with her American peers
Cummins handles this transformation with nuance and empathy, never judging Ruth's choices but instead inviting readers to consider the complex factors that shape our identities. The author's keen eye for detail brings Ruth's internal struggle to life, from her conflicted feelings about her mother's accent to her complicated relationship with her own appearance.
Rediscovering Roots
Daisy's return to Puerto Rico serves as the catalyst for the family's reckoning with their past. Cummins skillfully uses the island as both setting and character, its lush landscapes and rich culture serving as a stark contrast to the Midwestern backdrop of Ruth's childhood. Through Daisy's eyes, we see Puerto Rico anew, and her journey of discovery becomes our own.
The novel's exploration of language as a key to identity is particularly compelling. As Daisy struggles to reconnect with her heritage through the Spanish language, readers are reminded of the power of words to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
A Hurricane of Emotions
The hurricane that leaves Daisy critically injured serves as both literal and metaphorical storm, forcing the family to confront long-buried truths and unspoken resentments. Cummins' prose shines in these high-stakes moments, capturing the raw emotion and urgency of a family in crisis.
The scenes in the hospital, as Rafaela and Ruth keep vigil at Daisy's bedside, are some of the most powerful in the novel. Here, the author's talent for dialogue and internal monologue is on full display, revealing the complex layers of love, guilt, and hope that define the relationships between these three women.
Themes That Resonate
"Speak to Me of Home" tackles a number of universal themes with sensitivity and insight:
- The immigrant experience and the challenges of cultural adaptation
- The generational transmission of trauma and resilience
- The tension between individual identity and family legacy
- The power of place in shaping our sense of self
Cummins' exploration of these themes is never heavy-handed, instead allowing them to emerge organically through the characters' experiences and interactions.
A Masterclass in Historical Fiction
While the novel is firmly rooted in the personal stories of its characters, Cummins also provides a broader historical context that enriches the narrative. From the changing political landscape of Puerto Rico to the social upheavals of the 1960s and 70s in the United States, the author seamlessly integrates historical details that add depth and authenticity to the story.
Readers familiar with Cummins' previous work, particularly "American Dirt," will recognize her talent for blending intimate family drama with larger sociopolitical issues. "Speak to Me of Home" further cements her reputation as a skilled chronicler of the immigrant experience in all its complexity.
A Few Minor Quibbles
While "Speak to Me of Home" is a triumph on many levels, there are a few areas where it falls slightly short of perfection:
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally lags, with some subplots feeling less essential to the overall narrative
- Certain secondary characters could have been more fully developed to provide additional insight into the main characters' worlds
- The resolution of some conflicts feels a bit too neat, given the complexity of the issues at hand
However, these minor criticisms do little to detract from the novel's overall impact and emotional resonance.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Worth Taking
Jeanine Cummins has crafted a novel that is at once intimate and expansive, tackling big ideas through the lens of one family's deeply personal story. "Speak to Me of Home" is a testament to the power of roots, the complexity of identity, and the enduring strength of family bonds.
With its lyrical prose, richly drawn characters, and thoughtful exploration of what it means to belong, this novel is sure to resonate with readers long after they turn the final page. It is a journey worth taking, one that invites us to reflect on our own sense of home and the stories that shape who we are.
For those seeking a deeply felt, beautifully written exploration of family, identity, and the search for belonging, "Speak to Me of Home" is an essential read. Jeanine Cummins has once again proven herself to be a master storyteller, capable of illuminating the universal through the deeply personal.
In her latest novel, "Speak to Me of Home," Jeanine Cummins weaves a rich tapestry of family, identity, and the eternal quest for belonging. With the same deft hand that brought us "American Dirt," Cummins explores the intricate threads that connect three generations of women as they navigate the complex terrain between Puerto Rico and the American Midwest. This multigenerational saga is a testament to the power of storytelling, offering readers a profound meditation on what it truly means to call a place home.
A Symphony of Voices
At its heart, "Speak to Me of Home" is a story told through the voices of three remarkable women:
Rafaela Acuña y Daubón: The matriarch who leaves her beloved Puerto Rico for the promise of a new life in St. Louis
Ruth Brennan: Rafaela's daughter, caught between two worlds and desperate to belong
Daisy Hayes: Ruth's daughter, whose journey back to Puerto Rico sets in motion a reckoning for the entire family
Cummins masterfully intertwines their narratives, creating a symphony of voices that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Each woman's story is a unique melody, harmonizing with the others to create a powerful exploration of identity, heritage, and the bonds that tie us to our roots.
The Ache of Displacement
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in Cummins' ability to capture the visceral ache of displacement. Rafaela's journey from the vibrant streets of San Juan to the unfamiliar landscape of the Midwest is rendered with exquisite detail. The author's vivid prose brings to life the sights, sounds, and smells of both worlds, allowing readers to experience the cultural whiplash alongside the characters.
"Rafaela had never cared much for simplicity, and certainly not on her wedding day."
This opening line sets the tone for Rafaela's character arc, hinting at the complexities and challenges that await her in her new life. Cummins excels at portraying the subtle indignities and microaggressions Rafaela faces in St. Louis, from the mispronunciation of her name to the well-meaning but ignorant comments about her heritage.
The Price of Assimilation
Ruth's story serves as a poignant exploration of the price of assimilation. As she grows up in St. Louis, we witness her gradual distancing from her Puerto Rican roots:
The loss of her native Spanish
The rejection of cultural traditions
The desire to blend in with her American peers
Cummins handles this transformation with nuance and empathy, never judging Ruth's choices but instead inviting readers to consider the complex factors that shape our identities. The author's keen eye for detail brings Ruth's internal struggle to life, from her conflicted feelings about her mother's accent to her complicated relationship with her own appearance.
Rediscovering Roots
Daisy's return to Puerto Rico serves as the catalyst for the family's reckoning with their past. Cummins skillfully uses the island as both setting and character, its lush landscapes and rich culture serving as a stark contrast to the Midwestern backdrop of Ruth's childhood. Through Daisy's eyes, we see Puerto Rico anew, and her journey of discovery becomes our own.
The novel's exploration of language as a key to identity is particularly compelling. As Daisy struggles to reconnect with her heritage through the Spanish language, readers are reminded of the power of words to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
A Hurricane of Emotions
The hurricane that leaves Daisy critically injured serves as both literal and metaphorical storm, forcing the family to confront long-buried truths and unspoken resentments. Cummins' prose shines in these high-stakes moments, capturing the raw emotion and urgency of a family in crisis.
The scenes in the hospital, as Rafaela and Ruth keep vigil at Daisy's bedside, are some of the most powerful in the novel. Here, the author's talent for dialogue and internal monologue is on full display, revealing the complex layers of love, guilt, and hope that define the relationships between these three women.
Themes That Resonate
"Speak to Me of Home" tackles a number of universal themes with sensitivity and insight:
- The immigrant experience and the challenges of cultural adaptation
- The generational transmission of trauma and resilience
- The tension between individual identity and family legacy
- The power of place in shaping our sense of self
Cummins' exploration of these themes is never heavy-handed, instead allowing them to emerge organically through the characters' experiences and interactions.
A Masterclass in Historical Fiction
While the novel is firmly rooted in the personal stories of its characters, Cummins also provides a broader historical context that enriches the narrative. From the changing political landscape of Puerto Rico to the social upheavals of the 1960s and 70s in the United States, the author seamlessly integrates historical details that add depth and authenticity to the story.
Readers familiar with Cummins' previous work, particularly "American Dirt," will recognize her talent for blending intimate family drama with larger sociopolitical issues. "Speak to Me of Home" further cements her reputation as a skilled chronicler of the immigrant experience in all its complexity.
A Few Minor Quibbles
While "Speak to Me of Home" is a triumph on many levels, there are a few areas where it falls slightly short of perfection:
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally lags, with some subplots feeling less essential to the overall narrative
- Certain secondary characters could have been more fully developed to provide additional insight into the main characters' worlds
- The resolution of some conflicts feels a bit too neat, given the complexity of the issues at hand
However, these minor criticisms do little to detract from the novel's overall impact and emotional resonance.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Worth Taking
Jeanine Cummins has crafted a novel that is at once intimate and expansive, tackling big ideas through the lens of one family's deeply personal story. "Speak to Me of Home" is a testament to the power of roots, the complexity of identity, and the enduring strength of family bonds.
With its lyrical prose, richly drawn characters, and thoughtful exploration of what it means to belong, this novel is sure to resonate with readers long after they turn the final page. It is a journey worth taking, one that invites us to reflect on our own sense of home and the stories that shape who we are.
For those seeking a deeply felt, beautifully written exploration of family, identity, and the search for belonging, "Speak to Me of Home" is an essential read. Jeanine Cummins has once again proven herself to be a master storyteller, capable of illuminating the universal through the deeply personal.
July 7, 2025
Perhaps I expected the speedy runaway feeling of American Dirt the very popular much discussed yet much loved novel. So I wasn't prepared for the sweet, meandering, multi-generational historical fiction novel Speak to Me of Home.
This novel touched my heart as I came to know all the family members and their ties to Puerto Rico. With wonderful character development I became involved with this quite complicated family. There were times when I found myself quite disgusted with one of the key females Raefela.
This book also allows the reader to feel the sting of prejudice people often experience when they are half and half not claimed by one of their races or the other especially in their formative years. It certainly tugged hard on my heart.
There were strings that tethered each character to the island of Puerto Rico and the author consantly tugged on the strings. It reminded me often of the child's game played with string between fingers Cat's Cradle…often complicated. Often I longed for one sweeping story rather than the chapters jumping back and forth with family members grasping at their strings.
All in all I was glad to spend my time this family and to understand what pulled them always toward Puerto Rico.
Special thanks to Jeanine Cummins, Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for this copy for review.
This novel touched my heart as I came to know all the family members and their ties to Puerto Rico. With wonderful character development I became involved with this quite complicated family. There were times when I found myself quite disgusted with one of the key females Raefela.
This book also allows the reader to feel the sting of prejudice people often experience when they are half and half not claimed by one of their races or the other especially in their formative years. It certainly tugged hard on my heart.
There were strings that tethered each character to the island of Puerto Rico and the author consantly tugged on the strings. It reminded me often of the child's game played with string between fingers Cat's Cradle…often complicated. Often I longed for one sweeping story rather than the chapters jumping back and forth with family members grasping at their strings.
All in all I was glad to spend my time this family and to understand what pulled them always toward Puerto Rico.
Special thanks to Jeanine Cummins, Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for this copy for review.
August 15, 2025
I wanted to love it more than three stars but unlike American Dirt, which had me spellbound, I couldn’t connect with the characters in this one. I totally understand not every book is for everybody. This one wasn’t for me.
May 30, 2025
Speak to Me of Home by Jeanine Cummins is a novel about displacement, prejudice, Identity, and the need to belong.
The novel is a deeply emotional novel that explores what it means to lose your place in the world and to fight for a new one.
The characters are detailed and active. I got the multiple generations (3) mixed up. They were difficult to keep track of which took away from the story for me. Otherwise, it was a faced paced novel that spoke to me with each page. Emotional depth of their journeys. The need to belong. The story focuses on how difficult it is to be a bi-racial child in the world. The deep need for safety, connection and belonging to home.
The novel is a deeply emotional novel that explores what it means to lose your place in the world and to fight for a new one.
The characters are detailed and active. I got the multiple generations (3) mixed up. They were difficult to keep track of which took away from the story for me. Otherwise, it was a faced paced novel that spoke to me with each page. Emotional depth of their journeys. The need to belong. The story focuses on how difficult it is to be a bi-racial child in the world. The deep need for safety, connection and belonging to home.
January 31, 2025
I absolutely loved 'American Dirt' - it is probably the book I have recommended more than any other. Unsurprisingly, I therefore was so pleased to read 'Speak to Me of Home'.
This inter-generational piece of literary 'tres leches' felt comforting, deep and satisfying.
Right from the opening pages, when Ruth gets that phone call that all parents dread, to find out her daughter has been in an accident, I was hooked. Moving between time and place and character, secrets are revealed and the consequences of long ago choices come crashing down.
I highly recommend this.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
This inter-generational piece of literary 'tres leches' felt comforting, deep and satisfying.
Right from the opening pages, when Ruth gets that phone call that all parents dread, to find out her daughter has been in an accident, I was hooked. Moving between time and place and character, secrets are revealed and the consequences of long ago choices come crashing down.
I highly recommend this.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
May 14, 2025
A multiple generation family saga, highlighting how everyone's experience and choices impact those around them.
While at the root of the story, I enjoyed it. But I felt it was far too long and meandering at times. I can handle multiple timelines- when they are chronological within themselves. So I could have handled a timeline for each Daisy, Ruth, and Rafaela. Or rather, two each- a present day and a historical one in chronological order. But, nope. This bounced all over in time. I get it was to give the story maximum impact, but for very logical, left brained people such as myself, this is actually distracting and takes away from the story.
I did truly enjoy the familial nature of it- they all loved one another and had reasons for their decisions. But those decisions often influenced the other person's life.
Almarie Guerra narrates the audio book.
I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
While at the root of the story, I enjoyed it. But I felt it was far too long and meandering at times. I can handle multiple timelines- when they are chronological within themselves. So I could have handled a timeline for each Daisy, Ruth, and Rafaela. Or rather, two each- a present day and a historical one in chronological order. But, nope. This bounced all over in time. I get it was to give the story maximum impact, but for very logical, left brained people such as myself, this is actually distracting and takes away from the story.
I did truly enjoy the familial nature of it- they all loved one another and had reasons for their decisions. But those decisions often influenced the other person's life.
Almarie Guerra narrates the audio book.
I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this multi-layered and compelling historical fiction family drama surrounding the lives of three women of Puerto Rican descent. It is a sweeping portrait that harnesses the tragedy and triumphs of the immigration experience and the lure of home. This book did not contain the intensity that was part of this author's bestselling book, American Dirt but I lost myself in this fascinating story none the less. The family tree at the beginning of the book helped me to appreciate the interwoven lives of the characters even more. I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, as well as captivating family sagas.
May 29, 2025
Speak to Me of Home is a family saga that follows three generations of Puerto Rican women: Rafaela Acuña y Daubón, the matriarch, born in Puerto Rico, daughter Ruth, and granddaughter Daisy. The storyline involves a move to the American Midwest, return to Puerto Rico, and the unpacking of long-buried family secrets. It explores themes of belonging, cultural displacement, and what it means to call a place home. It examines the immigrant experience and the push and pull between individual identity and ancestral ties. The author draws on her own heritage in developing her Puerto Rican and Irish characters. It is structured in three timelines that move backward and forward to provide piecemeal information, which all comes together in the final pages. Personally, I would have preferred longer segments in each timeline, since I tend to favor a more flowing narrative, but this is a minor complaint. I did not read the author’s debut, so I did not know what to expect and I am pleased to say I enjoyed this story very much.
June 18, 2025
I know it wasn’t popular to like American Dirt at the time, but I loved it. I was excited for her new book, but it didn’t grab me the way AD did. The jumps in time and story didn’t flow seamlessly enough for me, and I got kinda bored.
July 1, 2025
Have you ever wished for a window into the past—one that lets you quietly observe your family’s younger selves without altering a thing? That quiet longing to understand, to witness, and to connect across generations is at the heart of this beautifully written novel. Through a time-bending narrative, the reader journeys alongside three generations of women, witnessing their lives unfold from youth to present day with depth, nuance, and compassion.
As a Puerto Rican who grew up on the island and later moved to the mainland, I felt deeply seen by Rafaela and Ruth’s experiences. The emotional truth of this story—how some feelings defy direct translation, how culture shapes memory and identity, and how generational bonds carry both love and complexity—resonated powerfully. This book is a moving testament to the richness of lived experience and the quiet strength of intergenerational connection. A heartfelt, thought-provoking read, I highly recommend.
As a Puerto Rican who grew up on the island and later moved to the mainland, I felt deeply seen by Rafaela and Ruth’s experiences. The emotional truth of this story—how some feelings defy direct translation, how culture shapes memory and identity, and how generational bonds carry both love and complexity—resonated powerfully. This book is a moving testament to the richness of lived experience and the quiet strength of intergenerational connection. A heartfelt, thought-provoking read, I highly recommend.
May 4, 2025
Thanks to Henry Holt and Company and Goodreads "enter to win" for my ARC. And huge thanks to Jeanine Cummins for writing this beautiful story that had me captivated from the first page.
I love a multi-generation family saga with various timelines and intertwined stories that move seamlessly back and forth; each chapter tells us where we are, time and place. The book opens when Ruth receives a jarring telephone call at her home in New York; with the next chapter being that of Ruth's daughter, Daisy, at her home in Puerto Rico a short time prior, having just left a voicemail for her brother, Carlos, and there is a DNA test... By Chapter 3 we are introduced to Ruth's mother, Rafaela, and Rafaela's sister, Dolores "Lola", in 1968 San Juan, on Rafaela's wedding day to Peter Brennan, Jr. And on that day there is a letter ...
By Chapter 4 we have time hopped to 1978 St. Louis where Rafaela and Peter have settled along with almost 7-year old Ruth and her 9-year old brother, Benny.
While the story unfolds in this way, I was always completely caught up with where I was in the story at that exact moment. Sure, I was anxious to know how certain things were going to turn out, but that never detracted from my reading.
For me, Rafaela is the heart of the story and the rock of this wonderful family; as a child and teen she her sister were raised as upper society San Juan because of her Papamio's professional life. When things change, their lives change drastically. .
The story is one of love, of prejudice, of family, of survival. It's rich with detail of life in Puerto Rico, which also is a major character (the sounds, the colors, the scents, the banyan trees). I felt as if I knew these characters personally; I cared deeply for them. And while I was captivated with the story, I was very sad when it ended.
Please I want a sequel - which I'm sure Jeanine Cummins does not want to hear lol as she is launching her book tour for this which will be published on May 13 2025 - run don't walk to your favorite indie bookstore and get yourself a copy and plan to immerse yourself. While I was also a fan of American Dirt, I loved Speak to Me of Home even more. What an accomplishment for the author, congratulations!
A favorite line: "I've waited a long time for the long term".
Cudos too for calling out the big insurance companies.
I love a multi-generation family saga with various timelines and intertwined stories that move seamlessly back and forth; each chapter tells us where we are, time and place. The book opens when Ruth receives a jarring telephone call at her home in New York; with the next chapter being that of Ruth's daughter, Daisy, at her home in Puerto Rico a short time prior, having just left a voicemail for her brother, Carlos, and there is a DNA test... By Chapter 3 we are introduced to Ruth's mother, Rafaela, and Rafaela's sister, Dolores "Lola", in 1968 San Juan, on Rafaela's wedding day to Peter Brennan, Jr. And on that day there is a letter ...
By Chapter 4 we have time hopped to 1978 St. Louis where Rafaela and Peter have settled along with almost 7-year old Ruth and her 9-year old brother, Benny.
While the story unfolds in this way, I was always completely caught up with where I was in the story at that exact moment. Sure, I was anxious to know how certain things were going to turn out, but that never detracted from my reading.
For me, Rafaela is the heart of the story and the rock of this wonderful family; as a child and teen she her sister were raised as upper society San Juan because of her Papamio's professional life. When things change, their lives change drastically. .
The story is one of love, of prejudice, of family, of survival. It's rich with detail of life in Puerto Rico, which also is a major character (the sounds, the colors, the scents, the banyan trees). I felt as if I knew these characters personally; I cared deeply for them. And while I was captivated with the story, I was very sad when it ended.
Please I want a sequel - which I'm sure Jeanine Cummins does not want to hear lol as she is launching her book tour for this which will be published on May 13 2025 - run don't walk to your favorite indie bookstore and get yourself a copy and plan to immerse yourself. While I was also a fan of American Dirt, I loved Speak to Me of Home even more. What an accomplishment for the author, congratulations!
A favorite line: "I've waited a long time for the long term".
Cudos too for calling out the big insurance companies.
December 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this beautifully written multigenerational story of three women and their connection to their family’s homeland.
Told in a nonlinear format and spanning over decades, the story focuses on Rafaela, born into great wealth in Puerto Rico, her daughter Ruth, and her granddaughter Daisy, and their relationships with each other and to Puerto Rico.
All three women are well-rounded and constructed characters with a great deal of depth. Throughout their lives, loves, moves, and educations they all three struggle with the concept of what a homeland means and how they self-identify, both ethnically and culturally.
The book felt easy to read and accessible, yet at the same time left me thinking about it for days after and what it means to identify with a familial home land. Despite a lot of drama, the sorry never felt maudlin. Highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this advanced reader copy.
Told in a nonlinear format and spanning over decades, the story focuses on Rafaela, born into great wealth in Puerto Rico, her daughter Ruth, and her granddaughter Daisy, and their relationships with each other and to Puerto Rico.
All three women are well-rounded and constructed characters with a great deal of depth. Throughout their lives, loves, moves, and educations they all three struggle with the concept of what a homeland means and how they self-identify, both ethnically and culturally.
The book felt easy to read and accessible, yet at the same time left me thinking about it for days after and what it means to identify with a familial home land. Despite a lot of drama, the sorry never felt maudlin. Highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this advanced reader copy.
May 11, 2025
Loved loved loved. Three women, three generations—spanning the 60s to present time in Puerto Rico and St. Louis, Missouri. Touching on themes of family, racial identity, class and belonging, Cummings has once again written a beautiful and heartfelt character-based novel of secrets, consequences, hardships and challenges all faced by women. She clearly understands her characters thoughts, feelings and lives giving readers the ability to relate to them. The story, the culture, the characters; Daisy, Ruth and Rafaela.. all felt real.. loved it all. American Dirt also a favorite. Cummings is such a clever storyteller ✨ (& now an auto-buy for me). 5 stars — Pub. 5/13/25 🎧
Much thanks to Macmillan Audio via NetGalley for the advanced audio copy. All opinions are my own.
Much thanks to Macmillan Audio via NetGalley for the advanced audio copy. All opinions are my own.
June 28, 2025
Rather than me rehashing the plot, here is the Goodreads blurb.
"On her wedding day in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1968, Rafaela Acuña y Daubón has mild misgivings, but she marries Peter Brennan Jr. anyway, in a blaze of romantic optimism. She has no way of knowing how dramatically her life will change when she uproots her young family to start over in the American Midwest, unleashing a fleet of disappointments. Against the backdrop of her mother’s isolation in St. Louis, Missouri in the 1980s, Rafaela’s daughter, Ruth Brennan, longs only to belong. Eager to fit in, Ruth lets go of her language, habits, and childhood memories of Puerto Rico. It's not until decades later, when Ruth’s own daughter, Daisy, returns to Puerto Rico that her mother and grandmother begin to truly reflect on the choices that have come to define their lives."
The book is a realistic portrait of a four generation family originating in and having strong ties to San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is written in a nonlinear fashion jumping around time lines, but it is not confusing. And despite the myriad of characters, I felt that I got to know them all well. Both Rafaela and her daughter Ruth marry men who are not Puerto Rican, for differing reasons. A theme of the book is how each character integrates their Puerto Rican heritage into their sense of self. The characters living in mainland U.S. meet up with varying degrees of prejudice, which affect their self identity too.
While reading, I was transported into the lives of the characters, who were quite interesting. I enjoyed spending time with them and getting to know more about Puerto Rico.
"On her wedding day in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1968, Rafaela Acuña y Daubón has mild misgivings, but she marries Peter Brennan Jr. anyway, in a blaze of romantic optimism. She has no way of knowing how dramatically her life will change when she uproots her young family to start over in the American Midwest, unleashing a fleet of disappointments. Against the backdrop of her mother’s isolation in St. Louis, Missouri in the 1980s, Rafaela’s daughter, Ruth Brennan, longs only to belong. Eager to fit in, Ruth lets go of her language, habits, and childhood memories of Puerto Rico. It's not until decades later, when Ruth’s own daughter, Daisy, returns to Puerto Rico that her mother and grandmother begin to truly reflect on the choices that have come to define their lives."
The book is a realistic portrait of a four generation family originating in and having strong ties to San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is written in a nonlinear fashion jumping around time lines, but it is not confusing. And despite the myriad of characters, I felt that I got to know them all well. Both Rafaela and her daughter Ruth marry men who are not Puerto Rican, for differing reasons. A theme of the book is how each character integrates their Puerto Rican heritage into their sense of self. The characters living in mainland U.S. meet up with varying degrees of prejudice, which affect their self identity too.
While reading, I was transported into the lives of the characters, who were quite interesting. I enjoyed spending time with them and getting to know more about Puerto Rico.
May 6, 2025
The author's words were lyrical but the I thought the story dragged too much. I had a hard time struggling through this story. It wasn't until the events leading up to and following the hurricane that the pace picked up. Sadly that was half way through the book.
May 31, 2025
This novel unfolds on several timelines as it follows the lives of three generations of women - Rafaela, Ruth and Daisy. Their passions, education, marriages, family, and cultural influences are examined. The novel explores the difficulties of trying to assimilate into a different culture, and the concurrent hardship of attempting to define oneself amid an intolerant land.
As the novel begins, there is a hurricane in Puerto Rico and Daisy, the youngest female member of this family, is hit by a car while trying to bring aid to someone. She is hospitalized and in a coma. As the family rallies to be with her, their stories are told.
Rafaela, Daisy's grandmother, is born to privilege in Puerto Rico. She is rich, beautiful and happy. When her world is overturned by the loss of her father's fortunes, everything unwinds. She must leave Puerto Rico and work to earn money in order to help her family.
Rafaela's daughter Ruth is not sure how to define herself. She looks white but she is half Puerto Rican and half Irish. She is an internet success with her series but she withholds many secrets from her children.
Daisy has moved to Puerto Rico from the states and is taking a gap year from college. Ruth is very angry about this but, once the accident happens, Ruth would like to retract every negative thing she has said to Daisy.
I loved the author's previous novel, American Dirt, and was sickened by the unfair and censorious criticisms of it. It is my belief that any person of any gender or age is able to write about something that is not in their past, present or future. It is not appropriating to write outside your life experiences or comfort zone. Because of how much I liked American Dirt, I was anxious to read Speak to Me of Home. I found this book good, but was a little disappointed. It rambled some and needed better editing. There was a lot of repetition and many tangents/red herrings along the way. I give this novel a 3.5, rounded up to 4. It is a good read, but too long.
As the novel begins, there is a hurricane in Puerto Rico and Daisy, the youngest female member of this family, is hit by a car while trying to bring aid to someone. She is hospitalized and in a coma. As the family rallies to be with her, their stories are told.
Rafaela, Daisy's grandmother, is born to privilege in Puerto Rico. She is rich, beautiful and happy. When her world is overturned by the loss of her father's fortunes, everything unwinds. She must leave Puerto Rico and work to earn money in order to help her family.
Rafaela's daughter Ruth is not sure how to define herself. She looks white but she is half Puerto Rican and half Irish. She is an internet success with her series but she withholds many secrets from her children.
Daisy has moved to Puerto Rico from the states and is taking a gap year from college. Ruth is very angry about this but, once the accident happens, Ruth would like to retract every negative thing she has said to Daisy.
I loved the author's previous novel, American Dirt, and was sickened by the unfair and censorious criticisms of it. It is my belief that any person of any gender or age is able to write about something that is not in their past, present or future. It is not appropriating to write outside your life experiences or comfort zone. Because of how much I liked American Dirt, I was anxious to read Speak to Me of Home. I found this book good, but was a little disappointed. It rambled some and needed better editing. There was a lot of repetition and many tangents/red herrings along the way. I give this novel a 3.5, rounded up to 4. It is a good read, but too long.
June 6, 2025
I find Cummins writing style to be just the ticket if you need something that's both character driven and engaging. Here, she tells the stories of three generations of strong women: Rafaela, Ruth, and Daisy. Rafaela is Puerto Rican, but she marries an American, Peter, and this marriage is the heart of the book's tension. Cummins explores the stress of family relationships, but furthermore, the additional stress of trying to integrate in a country where the language and culture is not your own. All three women are strong, but with strength comes conflict.
The book does jump around in both time and place. Each chapter is labelled so it's not hard to figure out where you are in the historical timeline, but it does require some concentration. It's not a simple linear read.
For me, this book was one to get lost in, but not necessarily one where the themes and details will stay with me forever.
The book does jump around in both time and place. Each chapter is labelled so it's not hard to figure out where you are in the historical timeline, but it does require some concentration. It's not a simple linear read.
For me, this book was one to get lost in, but not necessarily one where the themes and details will stay with me forever.
July 8, 2025
Jeanine Cummins has written a powerful and heartfelt novel in Speak to Me of Home, and her compassion for her characters radiates from every page. With graceful prose and an emotional honesty that feels both vulnerable and wise, she brings to life the generational pull between heritage and change, between longing and acceptance.
Rafaela, Ruth, and Daisy are richly drawn—each woman navigating the challenges of love, culture, and the sacrifices we make in pursuit of a better life. Their intertwined stories unfold slowly, thoughtfully, like a conversation with someone you trust deeply. While some sections move at a gentle pace, they never lose emotional weight. Cummins gives her characters—and her readers—the space to breathe, reflect, and feel.
What stands out most is the tenderness with which Cummins explores the ache of leaving home and the complicated beauty of finding it again. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt caught between two worlds, or who’s tried to reconcile where they come from with who they’re becoming.
A moving, beautifully written novel that reminds us of the quiet power of returning—not just to a place, but to ourselves.
Rafaela, Ruth, and Daisy are richly drawn—each woman navigating the challenges of love, culture, and the sacrifices we make in pursuit of a better life. Their intertwined stories unfold slowly, thoughtfully, like a conversation with someone you trust deeply. While some sections move at a gentle pace, they never lose emotional weight. Cummins gives her characters—and her readers—the space to breathe, reflect, and feel.
What stands out most is the tenderness with which Cummins explores the ache of leaving home and the complicated beauty of finding it again. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt caught between two worlds, or who’s tried to reconcile where they come from with who they’re becoming.
A moving, beautifully written novel that reminds us of the quiet power of returning—not just to a place, but to ourselves.
May 7, 2025
I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to @jeaninecummins and @henryholtbooks for their thoughtful gift of the book, as well as to @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2025 for the accompanying audiobook.
After reading American Dirt, which left me both enchanted and profoundly moved, I knew I had to explore this new book confident it would evoke those same deep emotions. It did not disappoint.
Spanning a remarkable 50 years, this captivating tale chronicles the life of Rafaela Acuña y Daubón from Puerto Rico as she embarks on a journey of love, marriage, and motherhood in St. Louis. We follow her daughter, Ruth, as she grapples with her identity, and Ruth's daughter, Daisy, as she navigates the complexities of her heritage. When tragedy strikes, long-buried secrets come to light, challenging their understanding of self and family.
From the very first chapter, this book ensnared my attention. It’s a masterfully woven, multi-generational family saga told through the distinct voices of three extraordinary women. The author skillfully interlaces their stories across various timelines, effortlessly guiding readers between the past and present. The raw emotions conveyed as these women seek to understand their cultural identities and find their places in the world resonate deeply. Each character is richly developed, adding layers of depth to their journeys through love, loss, and the quest for belonging.
The author’s writing is nothing short of lyrical, immersing you in the beauty of Puerto Rico and the intricacies of its culture. The vivid descriptions transport you to vibrant landscapes.
The narrator brings this poignant story to life with an exquisite voice that captures the essence of each character's struggles and triumphs. Her performance elevates the emotional weight of the narrative, drawing you closer to their experiences.
This touching story is an exploration of love, prejudice, family bonds, and the resilience of the human spirit. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, which is set to be released on May 13, 2025. It’s a literary journey not to be missed.
After reading American Dirt, which left me both enchanted and profoundly moved, I knew I had to explore this new book confident it would evoke those same deep emotions. It did not disappoint.
Spanning a remarkable 50 years, this captivating tale chronicles the life of Rafaela Acuña y Daubón from Puerto Rico as she embarks on a journey of love, marriage, and motherhood in St. Louis. We follow her daughter, Ruth, as she grapples with her identity, and Ruth's daughter, Daisy, as she navigates the complexities of her heritage. When tragedy strikes, long-buried secrets come to light, challenging their understanding of self and family.
From the very first chapter, this book ensnared my attention. It’s a masterfully woven, multi-generational family saga told through the distinct voices of three extraordinary women. The author skillfully interlaces their stories across various timelines, effortlessly guiding readers between the past and present. The raw emotions conveyed as these women seek to understand their cultural identities and find their places in the world resonate deeply. Each character is richly developed, adding layers of depth to their journeys through love, loss, and the quest for belonging.
The author’s writing is nothing short of lyrical, immersing you in the beauty of Puerto Rico and the intricacies of its culture. The vivid descriptions transport you to vibrant landscapes.
The narrator brings this poignant story to life with an exquisite voice that captures the essence of each character's struggles and triumphs. Her performance elevates the emotional weight of the narrative, drawing you closer to their experiences.
This touching story is an exploration of love, prejudice, family bonds, and the resilience of the human spirit. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, which is set to be released on May 13, 2025. It’s a literary journey not to be missed.
May 8, 2025
My book of the year for 2023 was “The Outside Boy” by Jeanine Cummins. There is a high probability that my 2025 book of the year will be by the same author. I absolutely loved every page of this book. It is the story of 3 generations of women, spanning from the 1960s to current day, taking place in both Puerto Rico and the United States. It bounces between each woman’s story, at different times of their lives, yet is easy to follow. There is family drama, romance, parent/child relationships, sibling relationships, cultural issues, racism, and other “hot topics” all braided into one book. And it is just so beautifully written. I can’t think of one piece I didn’t enjoy. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Holt for the complimentary copy of this book. As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Holt for the complimentary copy of this book. As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
May 29, 2025
As a first-generation Nigerian American, Speak to Me of Home struck a deep chord with me. I didn’t grow up speaking my parents’ language or learning much about their culture. My parents, like many immigrants, wanted us to be “Americanized”, to fit in…to succeed. But as I got older, I started to feel the weight of that distance and the quiet longing to reconnect with the parts of myself I had never been given space to understand.
This book felt like both a mirror and a window. Through the nonlinear timeline and the voices of three generations of women: Rafaela, Ruth, and Daisy, I found myself especially drawn to Daisy’s journey. Her longing for identity, her questions about belonging and where “home” truly is, echoed my own. I appreciated how Jeanine Cummins captured the nuance of navigating inherited trauma, cultural memory, and generational silence with such tenderness and clarity.
And I loved the narrator! Her voice had such warmth and emotional depth. Her pacing, her tone shifts, even her silences felt intentional. She gave each character subtle but distinct vocal nuances that made it feel like I was sitting across from these women, listening to their stories unfold over time. It’s one of those audiobook performances that stays with you.
This wasn’t just a family story. It was also a reflection on love, identity, prejudice, and the invisible strings that tie us to places we’ve never lived but still call home. I was moved, I was seen, and I was changed by this book.
Thank you #partner Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook.
This book felt like both a mirror and a window. Through the nonlinear timeline and the voices of three generations of women: Rafaela, Ruth, and Daisy, I found myself especially drawn to Daisy’s journey. Her longing for identity, her questions about belonging and where “home” truly is, echoed my own. I appreciated how Jeanine Cummins captured the nuance of navigating inherited trauma, cultural memory, and generational silence with such tenderness and clarity.
And I loved the narrator! Her voice had such warmth and emotional depth. Her pacing, her tone shifts, even her silences felt intentional. She gave each character subtle but distinct vocal nuances that made it feel like I was sitting across from these women, listening to their stories unfold over time. It’s one of those audiobook performances that stays with you.
This wasn’t just a family story. It was also a reflection on love, identity, prejudice, and the invisible strings that tie us to places we’ve never lived but still call home. I was moved, I was seen, and I was changed by this book.
Thank you #partner Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook.
June 13, 2025
3.5 First comment: This book is in serious need of a family tree (which I made for my own reference).
The story revolves around three generations of women in a Puerto Rican family and jumps back and forth in the timelines of their lives. The question throughout is what defines home. Is it a physical place? is it your people? Is it a state of mind? I found the story interesting but not gripping and had hoped for more after Cummins' "American Dirt." Not a book I would put in other readers' hands.
The story revolves around three generations of women in a Puerto Rican family and jumps back and forth in the timelines of their lives. The question throughout is what defines home. Is it a physical place? is it your people? Is it a state of mind? I found the story interesting but not gripping and had hoped for more after Cummins' "American Dirt." Not a book I would put in other readers' hands.
May 15, 2025
3.5
I really did enjoy the story and the characters but the ending threw me for a loop. We spent the whole book going over the background of the characters and hoe they ended up back in Puerto Rico, this was great! But, then Daisy's condition (the whole reason they are in the country) is up and down, and then the author decides to complete the DNA storyline right in the end. I think the ending was just too spontaous and didn't wrap up the history between these three generations in the right way.
I really did enjoy the story and the characters but the ending threw me for a loop. We spent the whole book going over the background of the characters and hoe they ended up back in Puerto Rico, this was great! But, then Daisy's condition (the whole reason they are in the country) is up and down, and then the author decides to complete the DNA storyline right in the end. I think the ending was just too spontaous and didn't wrap up the history between these three generations in the right way.
July 20, 2025
Two stars is generous. Can’t believe this is the same author that wrote American Dirt...a far superior book IMHO. I thought the controversy around a "white" lady writing a book about Mexicans was silly and apparently the rebuttal at the time was, "she has a Puerto Rican grandmother". SMH. So I guess writing about 3 generations of Puerto Rican women seemed like a safe bet.
I don't care what the ethnicity of any author is. I care that they write a good book. American Dirt seemed believable to me. None of the characters in this book seemed real or relatable.
I couldn’t get into it and it only gets worse as it goes along. The three female characters are not distinctive (especially Rafaela and Ruth). I kept thinking, "wait...is this the grandma or the mom?" Reading about ALL the characters in this book was like chewing on cardboard - no substance, no taste. The author might have been better off picking one of these women and doing a better job of making them come to life. The author was not skilled enough to tell a story that jumps around in time - it was confusing and not interesting enough to keep you following along.
I don't care what the ethnicity of any author is. I care that they write a good book. American Dirt seemed believable to me. None of the characters in this book seemed real or relatable.
I couldn’t get into it and it only gets worse as it goes along. The three female characters are not distinctive (especially Rafaela and Ruth). I kept thinking, "wait...is this the grandma or the mom?" Reading about ALL the characters in this book was like chewing on cardboard - no substance, no taste. The author might have been better off picking one of these women and doing a better job of making them come to life. The author was not skilled enough to tell a story that jumps around in time - it was confusing and not interesting enough to keep you following along.
June 8, 2025
I had high hopes for this novel, having loved two previous titles (American Dirt and The Outside Boy) by this author. But this novel was so fragmented by the back-and-forth of multiple timelines that none of the characters was fully fleshed out, and I found myself caring less and less about them and the events of their lives. Actually, two of the three main female characters seemed so similar to one another (intentionally, perhaps?) that it seemed quite possible that the events described could have happened equally well to either of them. In any case, after reading about two-thirds of the book, I just skipped ahead and read the last 50 or so pages, since I'd seen other readers' comments about the out-of-nowhere conclusion. And it was just as syrupy and unsatisfying as I'd expected based on those comments. I'm glad I didn't waste any more of my time.
May 20, 2025
3 1/2 stars but not rounded up as it was a solid 3 1/2 stars for me. I absolutely loved American Dirt, which while full of controversy, was an excellent novel. Speak to me of Home is about three generations of Puerto Rican women. The book jumped around a lot between the 3 women & also the different locations. It was tough at times to keep track of everyone. The biggest letdown for me, however, was that I just didn’t connect with the characters & there was no real meaty plot. The book dragged for me in parts, & the ending was not a surprise at all.
July 1, 2025
Jeanine Cummins escreveu um dos livros que mais me marcou, “Terra Americana”, quer pela temática, quer pela intensidade que conseguiu imprimir à narrativa.
Por isso mesmo, a fasquia estava elevada para este “De Volta a Casa” e talvez por isso senti que as expectativas foram um pouco defraudadas. Não estando relacionado com a temática (igualmente dura), mas com a sensação de repetição que senti ao longo da história. Julgo que este livro ganharia ao ter menos páginas, conseguindo transmitir a mensagem de forma mais eficiente e agradável.
Temos aqui três gerações de uma mesma família. Rafaela, a avó, que emigrou de Porto Rico para a América, em busca de uma vida melhor. A sua filha, Ruth, já nascida nos Estados Unidos, mas perseguida pelo estigma do emigrante, luta com todas as forças contra este preconceito, negando as suas origens. Por último, temos a neta, Daisy, que ao contrário da mãe, acha que é em Porto Rico que irá recuperar as raízes e o sentido da sua vida.
Mas um terrível acidente irá levar Daisy ao hospital e obrigar Rafaela e Ruth a retornar a Porto Rico, desvendando um passado desconhecido…
Gostei muito destas personagens, da forma simples como são apresentadas. Os seus sentimentos são muito claros e bem transmitidos ao leitor. Bem como esta ansiedade em torno do que é ser emigrante. Sem dúvida, um tema muito actual.
Julgo que a qualidade da escrita de Jeanine Cummins está novamente presente, mas, como referi, pecou pelo excesso de repisar a mesma mensagem, esmorecendo o meu entusiasmo. Ainda assim, permitiu-me conhecer uma outra realidade, de um país pouco abordado na literatura, o que só se pode traduzir num saldo positivo no cômputo geral.
Opinião mais detalhada em video:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
Por isso mesmo, a fasquia estava elevada para este “De Volta a Casa” e talvez por isso senti que as expectativas foram um pouco defraudadas. Não estando relacionado com a temática (igualmente dura), mas com a sensação de repetição que senti ao longo da história. Julgo que este livro ganharia ao ter menos páginas, conseguindo transmitir a mensagem de forma mais eficiente e agradável.
Temos aqui três gerações de uma mesma família. Rafaela, a avó, que emigrou de Porto Rico para a América, em busca de uma vida melhor. A sua filha, Ruth, já nascida nos Estados Unidos, mas perseguida pelo estigma do emigrante, luta com todas as forças contra este preconceito, negando as suas origens. Por último, temos a neta, Daisy, que ao contrário da mãe, acha que é em Porto Rico que irá recuperar as raízes e o sentido da sua vida.
Mas um terrível acidente irá levar Daisy ao hospital e obrigar Rafaela e Ruth a retornar a Porto Rico, desvendando um passado desconhecido…
Gostei muito destas personagens, da forma simples como são apresentadas. Os seus sentimentos são muito claros e bem transmitidos ao leitor. Bem como esta ansiedade em torno do que é ser emigrante. Sem dúvida, um tema muito actual.
Julgo que a qualidade da escrita de Jeanine Cummins está novamente presente, mas, como referi, pecou pelo excesso de repisar a mesma mensagem, esmorecendo o meu entusiasmo. Ainda assim, permitiu-me conhecer uma outra realidade, de um país pouco abordado na literatura, o que só se pode traduzir num saldo positivo no cômputo geral.
Opinião mais detalhada em video:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
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