What do readers think of The Affairs of the Falcóns by Melissa Rivero? Write your own review.

The story of Ana and her family deals with a very current and controversial subject – undocumented immigrants. The story was sad and showed the fierce determination of those who seek a better life. I thought the book could have gone deeper with its story line and I found it somewhat predictable. Also, there are many Spanish words and expressions sprinkled throughout the story and for some readers this may be confusing or disruptive to the flow of the story. On the other hand, the topic of the book and the actions of many of the characters within could spark much discussion, and consequently may be a good selection for adult book clubs.

Melissa Rivero’s novel The Affairs of the Falcons showcases the desperation of illegal immigrants in the United States. It centers on Ana and her family who have come to New York in order to escape terrorism in Peru and to build a better life for themselves and their children. Although Ana works in a factory and her husband Lucho drives a taxicab, the money provides a mere subsistence, and when emergencies arise Ana becomes desperate and makes decisions that create greater problems. The novel follows a storyline that is familiar to readers of novels about immigrants—the betrayal by family members, the secrets, the reliance on shady characters, the necessary risks. Although the narrative contains no surprises, it does enable the reader to learn new and unfamiliar Spanish terms and thus enriches one’s understanding of immigrant culture.

An easy read about a difficult subject in today’s world. Focusing on an undocumented family from Peru living in New York City, the circumstances of their lives both enlightened and challenged. It was not easy to like the main character, Ana, as she went to extremes to ensure her family maintain their existence, but most of the time she could be understood for her actions. The constant reminder that their existence in the US was illegal was pitched against viewing their challenges with sympathy. Many of the characters were totally unlikable (cousin Valeria for one) and pitched the emotional challenges even further. Although many of the characters were family and friends in similar circumstances, there was an element of lonesomeness for Ana as she faced her struggles. Much of this lonesomeness was of her own making while some of it was fostered by others “saving themselves” before helping others. I finished reading with strongly conflicted thoughts about this book. It would make a good book club read since it has the potential to raise diverse views and provide a lively discussion.

Ana Falcon, her friends and family did not lure me into the story. I thought the author was repetitive. I would have liked to know the characters history. I would not recommend this book.

This is an unrelentingly sad story of immigrants who add being undocumented to the other difficulties of everyday living. It is Ana’s story. The other characters are not developed and if they had been this book would have benefited. Telenovelas are a recurring form of entertainment and this story reads like one. Names are important: los falcones, the falcons, symbol of the rising sun, Lucho, first person singular of “to fight”, Valeria, valiant and Victoria, victory. Life is complex and in spite of the names, this story is not.

In the Affairs of the Falcons, a family of illegal Peruvian immigrants try to make a life for themselves in NYC with not enough money for the bare essentials. They have to borrow which leads to problems. The book describes their very simple daily life in sometimes boring minutiae. I thought the book had too many Spanish phrases in it for a non-Spanish reader like myself.