Olga Dies Dreaming: A Novel

What a thought-provoking read! Although a Historical Fiction, this book puts some facts into fiction. I enjoyed how the author wove in Puerto Rican history, true events such as the Hurricanes and Earthquakes, and gave us characters closely linked to Puerto Rico and it’s history.The book follows Olga, a Puerto Rican-American, raised in Brooklyn, a wedding planner who is “hustling.” She, as well as her brother Prieto, make some questionable choices throughout their lives while trying to be successful, helping the community, and finding “love” and “acceptance” through their actions. All they do is done to appease or make their mother proud; A mother who is no mother at all to them and just wants control.I enjoyed reading the politics of the matter, and the themes related to corruption. I felt a gut punch towards 70% towards the book when Olga goes through an experience that is familiar to many women, especially BIPOC.This is a must read!

Olga has created a successful life for herself. Although her mother deserted the family when Olga was a girl, her grandmother and brother were still there and their close Puerto Rican family buffered the blow. Her mother ran off to join a militant Puerto Rican group dedicated to making Puerto Rico an independent state even if it takes a revolution. Her father died of AIDS after becoming a junkie.But that was in the past. Now Olga runs the most successful wedding planning business in New York. Still living in Brooklyn where she grew up, her brother is now representing the neighborhood on the City Council and running for Congress. They have both grown up successfully except....Except Olga, while she has plenty of male attention, never lets anyone get close. Except her brother is in the closet about his sexuality and worried that he also might have AIDS. Except their mother is now writing and making demands on the children she knows she miss her and want to please her. Can Olga find a way to fix all these issues?This debut novel was a New York Times Notable Book as well as winning several other literary prizes and garnering praise from many sources. It is a romantic book that delves into serious issues and brings the tribulations of the Puerto Rican existence into prominence. Olga starts as a closed off woman haunted by her past and as she changes and opens herself to love and family, she blossoms and the reader is allowed to ride along. This book is recommended for readers of multicultural novels and women's fiction.

This book had me thinking about all my experiences with my parents. The turmoil, the abandonment, and know how is really there for you. There is something that the grandma or tia (aunt)says to Olga and that there are some parents that just don’t know how to be parents. I agree with this statement. That’s only part of what’s going on in this book. There are secrets, lies, and corruption happens in the family and their lives. There are some triggering events that are mentioned throughout the book.

I love learning about people and places that I’ve not experienced. I enjoy being “sucked in” so that I care deeply about the characters in a story - that can only happen when the author is an artist. Communicating with words on paper to create an entire experience that reaches us, creates understanding, shares knowledge that inspires us to learn more. Xochiti Gonzalez is a master!

This story is a smorgasbord of sub-plots. There are adults suffering from childhood abandoned, the AIDs epidemic, Puerto Rican independence, US politics, closeted homosexuality, romance and hoarding (to name a few). It ALMOST works together…but not fully.Olga’s emotional journey is fascinating and the author writes her story beautifully. The book was structured nicely and I liked how the past was interwoven with the present. The characters are complex and flawed and the relationship dynamics work well throughout. I also really enjoyed learning more about Puerto Rico and how much injustice the country has faced. From what I can tell, the author remains factual in her discussion of the political issues going on in Puerto Rico even though the book itself is fiction.There were two niggles that kept this from being a 5-star read…The underlying political vibes occasionally became so prevalent they disrupted the flow of the story. As I’ve said before, if I wanted a political agenda, I’d turn on the news. Secondly, the author seemed confused…as if she couldn’t quite decide if the book was a light-hearted romance or a serious political and economic commentary. The plots awkwardly vacillates between the two genres. This “genre confusion” causes the story to feel slightly muddled and lacking in focusDespite my criticism, I enjoyed the book and recommend to those who enjoy learning about other cultures!

Absolutely loved this book. Fictional characters intertwined with real world issues. Captivating and eye opening. 10/10.

Overall, I really liked this, but the ending was just too abrupt and felt rushed. It felt like I was left hanging.

Loved everything about this story. Became completely engrossed with each character!! This is definitely in my top 10 books list.

It was a delightful read. I felt educated on Puerto Rican history as well as entertained. The story and themes were universal. I saw myself in many characters despite not being Puerto Rican. When good things happened to the characters it felt delightful bc knowing their struggles it felt very earned. I thought the male characters could have been more authentic though.

A great tour de force. Brooklyn's latest contribution to the evolution of the English language, a vivid snapshot of nuyorican culture and its challenges.

Beautifully written. Gripping and multi layered. Weaving in so much history of both NY and Puerto Rico, and the complex/corrupt politics.