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A review by africanbookaddict
Now We Will Be Happy by Amina Gautier
4.0
4.5 stars. I loved this collection so so much. Why isn't Amina Gautier celebrated more for her work?? In the beginning, I felt the writing in this collection was a bit too calculated; but eventually, I began to appreciate her style.
Gautier's writing is generously descriptive without being superfluous. All the characters and storylines in this collection were wonderfully textured and unique.
I loved how Gautier explored Black and Puerto Rican identities through the characters. Some characters are a hybrid of both identities while others are Puerto Ricans living in Puerto Rico, some living on the mainland and others have the best of both worlds. I enjoyed how the characters in this collection were all interconnected. We see characters grow from one story to the next; it was so pleasant to see what various characters were up to months later. Characters deal with the stress of having bicultural identities, infidelity, abuse (of all kinds), family drama, love, homesickness, regret, pain, racial/ cultural prejudices.
(The first story, 'Aguanile' and fifth story, 'How to Make Flan' really struck me and had me thinking they were personal to Amina Gautier, as the main character almost matched her background).
I want to read more of Gautier's work! Shouts to Leslie and Ifeyinwa for piquing my interest in purchasing this collection. I was not disappointed! In-depth review + quotes on africanbookaddict.com, eventually.
Gautier's writing is generously descriptive without being superfluous. All the characters and storylines in this collection were wonderfully textured and unique.
I loved how Gautier explored Black and Puerto Rican identities through the characters. Some characters are a hybrid of both identities while others are Puerto Ricans living in Puerto Rico, some living on the mainland and others have the best of both worlds. I enjoyed how the characters in this collection were all interconnected. We see characters grow from one story to the next; it was so pleasant to see what various characters were up to months later. Characters deal with the stress of having bicultural identities, infidelity, abuse (of all kinds), family drama, love, homesickness, regret, pain, racial/ cultural prejudices.
(The first story, 'Aguanile' and fifth story, 'How to Make Flan' really struck me and had me thinking they were personal to Amina Gautier, as the main character almost matched her background).
I want to read more of Gautier's work! Shouts to Leslie and Ifeyinwa for piquing my interest in purchasing this collection. I was not disappointed! In-depth review + quotes on africanbookaddict.com, eventually.