Perla revolves around the Argentina's Dirty War, during which the government sponsored the taking of of over 30,000 people, the "los desaparecidos" (The Disappeared), in the guise of purging political subversives. Now the war is over and the dictator has been toppled. Perla doesn't completely understand her history, but she has always known that she is different because her father is a Navy officer. She goes through life hiding the identity of her family for fear of recrimination. Perla is the listener because being anyone else might inadvertently give someone a glimpse into her life. But when forced to think of the past, her life shifts and she no longer knows who she is anymore.
I absolutely loved this book but have no idea how to describe why (I hate when that happens!!!). Perla's story is unfolded in snapshots of time through different perspectives. I loved that I felt like I was experiencing Perla's anguish, confusion, and coming-of-age with her rather than observing it from a far. This story is lyrical and dramatic with much heartbreak. At times the graphic scenes were like a slap in the face, but they were like snapshots so they quickly passed. The writing made me feel emotionally connected to the story, though I didn't find myself connected to Perla.
Though not a light-hearted read, I flew through the pages reveling in each disclosure that allowed me to put pieces of the puzzle together. I feel like this is a story that I will never forget and would recommend it to those who find themselves in the mood for a meaningful emotional read with complex characters.
And there's a giveaway! This giveaway is for US/Canada mailboxes and will be open from May 14th to May 28th. Good Luck!
Doesn't sound like something I'd normally pick up. Seems to very emotional and mysterious all at once. I wonder at all the things Perla discovered Bout herself irn this book. It's. Cool the author was able to make you feel like a part of the book instead of an observer. I do like that in a book.
I had never heard of The Dirty War so for me it was quite an experience.
It covers an intense subject but it isn't intense all the time. When it is in your face, it is definitely in your face. Lol.
Alexis, just a note to say thank you for taking the time to read the book and for your reflections about it! I'm so glad to hear that you loved it and, just as powerfully, that it's something you'll never forget. I am honored. I do realize that it's not always easy to read fiction that delves into intense subject matter, but hopefully, with some books, the overall journey makes it worthwhile.
Jade and Taylor, hello and thanks for your thoughts as well. If you ever do pick up the book, feel free to be in touch via Facebook or my website to let me know how it was for you.
Wow, this sounds really interesting. I love books like this, it sounds like it would be really emotional. Coming-of-age stories really resonate with me, they are becoming my favourite type of book to read. Definitely can't wait to check it out. Great review, and thanks for the awesome giveaway!
It is emotional and it was a different perspective that I had never considered before.
That's an interesting story, I think I know what this is about - I mean, I know about the Dirty War and what they did to the kids of the people whom they government took - so I have a fair idea.
I didn't know about the Dirty War so it took me by surprise for sure.
This is a fantastic read. It is one of my fav's for the year. I had not previously known about the coupe in Argentina and have since done some research and put The Official Story in my Netflix queue.
As I read this story I wanted to know the truth and didn't want to know in equal measure. Powerful stuff!
It was a fantastic read. I know that it will stick with me and I remember it because it is how I learned about the Dirty War. Oh I should check netflix and see what they have for me. That's a good idea.
I've heard great things about this book. I've studied the disappeared in Chile in college, but I know nothing about what happened in Argentina. Thanks for the giveaway!
It was my first time learning about the disappeared in Argentina. I love when a book opens the world a little wider for me.
I read one book set in this time and place a number of years ago and it has stuck with me, so I think PERLA would impact me the same as it did you.