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Jennie Reece
An enjoyable history lesson!
Thank you to BookBrowse for the ARC of this novel. Andrea Yaryura Clark is to be commended on writing this story and bringing to light what went on during the ‘Dirty War’ in Argentina. I, for one, knew very little about this time in Argentina’s history. Some of the things I enjoyed most about this book were: the way the story was told through the eyes and voices of two different generations; the emotional quality of the writing…I could usually imagine what the characters were feeling; the fact the author lived in Argentina during the 1970s and (likely) drew much of the sights and sounds of the story from her own
…more memories (I’m assuming here).
I must admit there were a few details about the abhorrent treatment of those captured that were difficult to read, but they were no doubt important to include in order to impress upon the reader the horror of the atrocities that were committed. Historical fiction in one of my favorite genres, and this one certainly did not disappoint! (less)Andrea Yaryura Clark's historical novel shines light on the story of Argentina's "Desaparecidos," those who were forcibly "disappeared" under the period of government terrorism known as the "Dirty War." The era only lasted from 1976 to 1983, but it left a trail of broken families and sadness that may never be mended.
Paloma, a child of the Argentine aristocracy, though raised in the United States, returns to her country of origin for a family visit. This visit takes her on a journey with heartbreaking revelations that threaten the life she has known. Told in the framework of intertwined stories taking place two
…more decades apart, the voices of Paloma and her family will capture the imagination of readers and will encourage them to seek out additional information about this sad and shameful period in Argentina's history.
Remembering the decades-long searches by the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo who fought to uncover what had happened to their missing children and grandchildren also made me reflect upon the bond between parent and child and how it can never be broken, even when it cannot be fulfilled. Lovers of historical fiction will devour this book in one or two sittings. Hope to read more by Ms. Clark in the future. (less)The writing is clear and descriptive without being flowery and overdone – it was like reading a movie! I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense and appreciated learning about this violent period in Argentinian history.
It was interesting to consider the difficult decisions the various characters made in the context of conflict. Violent times present different choices and challenges that may be impossible to understand fully when evaluated more than twenty years later. The writer did an excellent job of using the story to communicate the thinking and feelings of the characters experiencing war in the 1970's and those
…more searching for answers in late 1990 about relationships from that earlier time period. The author did not draw conclusion rather she allows the reader to struggle with the moral questions and decisions.
The romance, intrigue, and family secrets made it difficult to put this book down. The 1990s part of the novel did hit a point where it became unrealistic which was disappointing. (less)Andrea Yaryura Clark has written a historical novel that propels us along to read chapter after chapter without putting the book down. Alternating between the years 1975-1976 and 1998, Clark tells the story of Paloma's search for the background of her father's (Santiago Larrera) involvement in the "Dirty War of Argentina". As a result of this search, Paloma also discovers her true parentage.
Woven through the story is historical information about the war itself. The war, waged by the Argentina military dictatorship between 1976 and 1983, hunted down political dissidents and anyone believed to be associated with
…more the socialist, left-wing Peronism. "Peron's government stepped up its censorship of media outlets, and soon there would be no room for dissent, political humor, or political criticism" (pg. 103).
Clark relates that "paramilitary death squads roamed freely in unmarked Ford Falcon cars with the sole mission to hunt down, kidnap, torture and kill people on the list. Individuals were taken into custody for questioning, later turning up dead in ditches and empty lots" (pg. 145).
It was the historical thread in the novel that most interested me. While visiting Buenos Aires in December, 1976, as I walked down the street after leaving a restaurant, the unknown man walking next to me was literally picked up off the street by military members and carried off, screaming the whole time. The memory of this event is burned into my brain forever. I was stunned and terrified at the same time.
Paloma's investigations into her Father's background and her subsequent love affair with Franco help to quickly move the plot along, but for me, the integrated historical material was of the greatest interest.
I do wish that Clark had listed the research materials that she used in the compilation of the novel.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to any future novels that she writes.
We will include On A Night of A Thousand Stars during the next season of our Covenant Book Club discussions. (less)This is a well-written, enjoyable novel. I would suggest this selection for book cub or discussion groups who enjoy reading historical fiction based on events that happened within the past 50 years, events whose details are not widely known. The story line is interesting, with unexpected twists, and the characters are well developed. The personal experience of the author with the details of life in Argentina during this terrible time adds a great deal of validity to the story.
Kathryn H. (Narvon, PA)
Argentinian History Served with a Good Story
I enjoyed this book. It keeps your interest while educating you on an important time in Argentinian history. The book has a dual timeline 1998 and 1973. Towards the end of the book, I thought it jumped back and forth too quickly. The writer does have a reason because she reveals plot points bit by bit. For me it was easy to see where the plot was going because (possible spoiler) years ago I read "Perla" by Carolina de Robertis. That did not really diminish the story for me and I would recommend this book as a good read that familiarizes you with an Argentina that you may not know.
Darlene G. (Allegany, NY)
A satisfying read with twists
A lovely debut novel. An easy read despite its context. I had heard of The Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, a human rights organization that works to find the children stolen and illegally adopted during the 1976–1983 Argentine military dictatorship, and I wanted to learn more. The story, grounded in the author's experience and research, brought that sad period to life through two romantic relationships one past and one current. The pacing was good, the alternating timeframes handled well, and all in all it was a satisfying read with several twists and turns.
Anna R. (Oak Ridge, TN)
History Lesson
Because of reading this book, I learned much about Argentina and it's turbulent history. Of course I knew about Eva Peron but that's about it. I found the book both fascinating and shocking. The story line about Paloma was a bit predictable but it was needed to tell the story.
I had some trouble staying engaged in the middle of the book, but as the story continued, I couldn't put it down.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book and will recommend it to my book group.
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