I've been meaning to read The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao for quite a while, and it was as good as everyone raved about it being. Even with high expectations (and more than its fair share of violence), I enjoyed the story immensely. I was terrifically sad when it ended-- not just because of the ending itself, but because the book was that good. Everything about it is lush and well-drawn. The characters are nuanced and troubled and, ultimately, there are no tidy solutions. But as a work, with interwoven and inter-generational story lines, it is so gratifying and well-executed. It makes me want to visit the Dominican Republic and see where these stories took place, how these characters lived. I thoroughly loved reading it.
So much so that ever since, it’s been tough to get into another novel. Everything else is paling in comparison. Of course, given the title, a sequel would have been impossible, but that doesn't keep me from wanting so much more.
I can’t wait to read Junot Diaz’s book of short stories, Drown.
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