Olga Dies Dreaming

I wanted to love this book, but I merely really enjoyed it. I was super captivated for the first half, but the second half lost me; the author tried to do way too much in too little time, and the plot devolved into something less believable. The dialogue that had been refreshingly real early on became blatantly expositional. And though I was rooting for the characters, I never felt truly emotionally invested, so when climatic moments happened, I didn't quite feel the punch I wanted to feel. Everything wrapped up a little too nicely, and the political messaging was a bit too blatant for my tastes.

All that being said, this is worth the read. Like I said, I really enjoyed it. I loved that it takes place in contemporary New York, and that issues of gentrification, abundant corruption, and the challenges of historically ethnic neighborhoods are front and center. The “American Dream” is harshly called into question – as evidenced by the title, an allusion to a Puerto Rican poem – as we see the sacrifices Olga and her brother have to make to get what they thought they wanted, only to feel unmoored and unhappy when they got it.

For a left-leaning feminist, this book may be preaching to the choir, but heck, I like some preaching. For those who aren't of the same political bend, I don't think the book would resonate (though I could be wrong). I learned a ton about Puerto Rican history, too. And look at that cover! Stunning. Overall, a really solid debut from an author that I hope to read more of in the future.