Reviews

The Sons of El Rey by Alex Espinoza

glavo's review

adventurous emotional hopeful 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? Yes

4.25

 I found this book very interesting and thought-provoking. The Vega family is complicated and messy but I really enjoyed reading about their history. All of the background on the luchadores was fascinating. I would definitely recommend this book! 

jennjennsan's review

5.0

I really loved the writing in this book, I was lucky enough to get my hands on the ARC through Net Galley and haven’t been able to put the book down. A book of struggles, survival, family, secrets, lies and most of all luchadores. I loved it. Alex writes so fluidly and I was able to feel each part of the story.

elnorman's review

adventurous emotional funny reflective medium-paced

4.0

"The Sons of El Rey" by Alex Espinoza is a touching look at multiple generations of a Mexican family, both in their relationships to each other, to place and to lucha libre. The novel spans different times and places until the present day when the patriarch of the family is dying. I love the complex ways that Espinoza looks at sexuality and describes it, and the family's reactions to each other with love. I also appreciated the multiple points of view in the story. I appreciated Espinoza's insights into lucha libre, migration, desire and struggles of young professors. I loved learning more about lucha libre such as the masks, and the focus on the queer aspects of lucha libre were really interesting. Some of the unexpected responses and relationships around gay male sexuality were touching. Thanks to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the eARC.

indy1527's review

dark emotional hopeful sad

4.0

I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

Some spoilers ahead. 

Ernesto Vega the matriarch of the family is dying. As he is in a comma, he can see his dead wife Elena and reliving his life.  We get to know the Vega family and the family secrets they are taking to the grave. 

Ernesto was a famous luchador in Mexico, El Rey Coyote. At the height of his career, Ernesto and Elena leave Mexico to Los Angeles. Elena was pregnant was Julian(Ernesto’s lover). They make the decision to leave lucha libre and Mexico behind and begin a new life. 

This book touched on grief and the sacrifices we make to later regret. How much are you willing to sacrifice for your family? 

cixousisabel's review

emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

5.0

niaamore's review

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

4.5

 Three generations of sons and their relationships as Luchadores. Each making their own name and legacy.

I was blown away by the raw honesty and emotional complexity this story conveys. I felt the love, loss, and passion each character has with the sport and each other. It paints a perfect picture of multi-generational change and connection. I won’t forget this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC. 

thisbookpairswith's review

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0