Some highs, some lows

This is Kim. So first and foremost, I have to admit that I am a little bit behind on this book (hence the first post on it being May 20th). I have had a very busy month, which I think is pretty true for everyone. That being said, there are a few things I have noticed about the books so far that I am anxious to discuss with fellow readers.

First, I think that Alvarez's ability to write familial politics is extraordinary. By politics I don't mean sisters working to ensure a certain inheritance or anything like that. Their political actions are much more subtle and detectable only by someone related. Anyone with siblings knows the nuances I'm referring to. For example, at the wedding as the poor, drunk mother attempts to tell the story of the red sneakers, the sisters are studying one another. Each of the other's actions reiterates something that the girls have learned about their sisters after decades of study. Each of the girls is saying just enough to participate in the dance that has become the Garcias' interactions. The all have a role and, however annoying they are to one another, they must continue to play it. Further, I think that the struggle of the book will come from the characters attempting to break out of the mold that has been made for them by their family members.

So, the tension that Alvarez creates, that anyone with a family recognizes, is what I am really enjoying about the novel thus far. What I am having the most trouble with is the feminity of the world the author has created. While I understand the way she is painting the friendly interactions of the characters I'm having a hard time with how gossipy and girly everything is, almost as though she is trying to build on a preexisting cliche. To be honest, I can't quite wrap my head around what is bothering me about that aspect of the book, so feel free to comment (in favor or against) if you can help me say what I am trying to.

I hope everyone is enjoying the book! I look forward to hear what you think of it!