It's hard not to compare this novel's protagonist, Antonia, to Job and his biblical trials. She is a recently retired professor dealing with also recent widowhood, her mentally ill sister's disappearance, all while becoming unintentionally involved in the plight of a
…more neighboring undocumented worker's crisis. The novel explores these tribulations through her childhood, her close relationship with her three siblings, and her own struggle as a Latino woman trying to fit into her New England community. Alvarez weaves an almost mystical approach to these challenges via Antonia's multigenerational memories, her recall of lines from her favorite authors during her teaching years, and her strong ties with her sisters. We come to understand that these issues will always be present, are life-changing for those involved and we can't help wondering how we ourselves would fare (less)
