This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Amanda Rofe for Readers' Favorite
Song of the Boricua by Olivia Castillo is a début novel describing the lives of three generations of women; Elena, Josephina and Maria. A generational curse binds the women, causing irreparable damage to each family. Will the curse ever be lifted and peace finally be upon the family? Puerto Rico provides the backdrop to this book which depicts love and betrayal on a grand scale. Song of the Boricua affords a glimpse into the rich history of the island, and the culture and lives of the Puerto Rican people.
Song of the Boricua contains a large cast of characters and spans most of the twentieth century, beginning in the early 1930s. The book deftly switches between different time periods, describing the hope and subsequent tragedy of different generations of women. Olivia Castillo writes a darkly atmospheric and bewitching tale. However, she can also evoke passion and enchantment. Song of the Boricua, which is the Puerto Rican spirit or pride, is a theme which runs throughout the book.
There is a strong musical influence with song words from each era providing a further layer of interest. The racial tensions, political problems, domestic violence and the hardships suffered by the families are all vividly depicted. The complex relationships between the main protagonists and the men they become involved with are sharply defined and very memorable. I enjoyed the many references to the music which spanned the generations, and I learned a lot about the culture and history of Puerto Rico.