Flor has the ability to know when someone is going to die, and so when she plans her own living wake, her family naturally worries that there’s something she hasn’t shared with them. The book follows the preparations for the wake while Flor’s daughter Ona, an anthropologist, records her family’s history, exploring each sister’s past and present, the heartbreaks, the family struggles, and the way their sisterly bonds have been built and challenged. Ona’s cousin Yadi also features, allowing a comparison between the generations and an exploration of the ways family lore is passed on and impacts throughout the years.
Ona herself is struggling with conceiving a much longed for child. Having undergone surgery the year before, she has been desperately trying for a baby with her partner Jeremiah, but it takes its toll, leaving them feeling as though the affection and genuine desire has been stripped from their relationship. Her exploration of family is particularly pertinent as she tries to continue her own. Her interviews with her aunts and cousin wear them out somewhat but encourage them all to consider what makes a good life, and to face the possibly imminent loss of Flor.
Romantic relationships are important throughout, although the book is female led, the male characters are supporting players in their story. For many, marriage has been a challenge, with alcoholism and addiction, infidelity, and separation appearing. There is also sadness in loss for those lucky enough to find a good man. The men in their lives are often selfish, and we see instances in their youth of the dangers of the opposite sex, and their vulnerability, not just to attack, but of the consequences of a society which values purity in women. Ona’s gift is that of an ‘alpha vagina’ which she can control at will, which in some ways makes her inability to control other aspects of her reproductive system all the more painful. Her cousin Yadi lost her childhood sweetheart to prison when he was condemned for a crime he didn’t commit. Their reunion causes a lot of heartache and confusion, and makes her question what took place in the years apart, of the silence between them when others in the community stayed in touch. Their story also raises questions about the criminal justice system. This is one of many examples of how Acevedo weaves multiple layers of meaning and questioning throughout.
The sisters grew up in the Dominican Republic and each came to New York at different times and for different reasons. The values and traditions they grew up with are different than Ona and Yadi, although their parents try to keep them connected to their roots. Indeed, in times of strife, it proves useful to go back and stay with family there, even if some things (having their toilet business inspected, for example) are difficult to adjust to. There is generational trauma however in the way some were treated in their youth, Mamá Silvia and her siblings having left an indelible mark.
As the wake approaches Flor begins to question whether it was the right choice. She can see the strain it’s putting on her closest family, the worry in Ona’s voice as she asks probing questions, and it’s tiring for her always having to avoid giving too much away. She wanted it to be a happy event, coming together with her loved ones, celebrating a life lived well, she hopes. But she herself also feels the strain, constantly changing the menu, indecisive about her outfit.
This is an absorbing book, fitting so much life into so few pages. It makes you think deeply about family and how complicated they can be. The narrative shifts, with each new focus being indicated at the beginning of the chapter. Some might find this a bit disorienting, and to be honest when I saw there was a cast list at the opening I was concerned, but each story is so captivating, and each life so entangled with the others, that it reads easily. Each member of the family will go out to bat for the others, yet it’s also clear there are certain aspects of their lives that will always remain a mystery to those around them. A wonderful book with realistically drawn characters who you root for at every turn.
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