Reviews

The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez

Only show reviews with written explanations

jwcavins's review

Go to review page

challenging mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

la_aselreads's review

Go to review page

So hard to follow as an audiobooks

thatbethguy's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was a beautifully written story about stories. Each person has a story to tell, no matter their circumstance or notoriety. I also loved spending time in the Dominican Republic through this book.

elisquared's review against another edition

Go to review page

Just wasn’t for me.

ldockham's review

Go to review page

emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I would have enjoyed the book better if I understood Spanish, lots of phrases throughout the book were in Spanish and not always explained in English.

emily__kay's review

Go to review page

reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

This is my first Julia Alvarez book and definitely won't be my last. The writing is beautiful and pleasant to lose yourself in. The magical realism elements were thought-provoking and lent opportunity for self-reflection. It's a cool concept, this cemetery of untold stories. Such an opportunity to explore what never was but could be. I think people who are prone to sadness or wistfulness would especially enjoy it.

I do think audio wasn't the best way to experience this story. Sometimes I got lost between which backstory or untold story was taking place, and I think it would have been stronger with multiple narrators. At the end I definitely took away the vibes more than plot. Which was fine, just be in the mood for some introspection rather than action.