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Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
In Rodney Nelsestuen’s Why Belize?, an American named Eileen Sologoski seeks a fresh start in Belize City, leaving behind her familiar life in Michigan—her husband, two sons, and a steady teaching job. When she arrives in Belize, she rents a modest room from Eduardo and Kita, a Belizean-German couple with troubled pasts. Eileen adopts the alias Lennie Solo and begins working as a tour guide, leading visitors to the ancient Mayan ruins. Her tranquil new existence is disrupted when her former in-laws, Edgar and Wilma Sologoski, arrive unexpectedly on a cruise ship, forcing her to confront her past decisions and ponder whether to remain in her adopted home or return to her old life.
I loved so much about Why Belize?, starting with the nuanced characterization. Rodney Nelsestuen brings the characters to life by exploring their emotions in detail and creating captivating backstories. I enjoyed following Eileen, a woman who shows the need for change, a sense of adventure, and the desire to reset her life. The story's excitement and frustrations are well-captured, and I enjoyed how the author explored her inner world, especially her emotions and relationships. The writing is realistic, and the setting in Belize City offers a vivid backdrop for the story, a landscape that is both physically and psychologically affecting. Readers will enjoy how the author handles themes of escape and reinvention. I was captivated by the lyrical prose, the great descriptions, and the author’s deft exploration of Eileen’s thoughts. It is a delightful read for fans of literary fiction.