"Well, now I'm pretty convinced Elizabeth Acevedo is the new Garcia Marquez. This was just a flawless piece of magical realism art! It was beautiful and poignant, poetic, and I just loved it so much. And The Audiobook narrated by herself is just OUT OF THIS WORLD AMAZING!

If you're drawn to intimate family sagas with an undercurrent of magical realism and a touch of mystery that explore the complexities of sisterhood, mother-daughter dynamics, and generational legacies, this captivating and beautifully written story about the lives of the Marte women, a Dominican-American family with unique gifts and complex relationships, is a must-read!

The Marte family's extraordinary abilities lend a touch of magical realism to the narrative, making it perfect for fans of contemporary fantasy. As the story unfolds over the three days leading up to a living wake, the tension builds, and the intricate relationships among the women come to the forefront.

Elizabeth creates the most amazingly realistic characters. You could swear you have a grandma, an aunt, or at least a cousin just like these! Especially female characters. No one captures the essence of femininity, womanhood, and motherhood as Elizabeth Acevedo! No one weaves relationships, secrets, and cultural heritage like Elizabeth Acevedo, neither.

You may not like this book if you don't like the "absurdity" of magical realism, prefer plot-driven to character-centered stories, or are not a fan of narratives that shift between multiple points of view or nonlinear storytelling.

The most beautiful writing is awaiting as a reward if you are willing to experiment, though! I cannot recommend "Family Lore" enough!"

Tom started reading The Vanishing Half