ARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warnings: sexual assault, stalking,loss of a parent.
Elizabeth Acevedo has quickly become a favourite author. Her writing is absolutely breathtaking and delivers on the emotions. Her newest novel Clap When You Land is told in verse, as we explore loss, grief, family and love. Can we talk about this cover for a minute, she is stunning. I love the pastel colours and the two girls, it’s gorgeous!
This work of fiction is based on a plane crash that happened shortly after 9/11. The story follows two sisters who never knew the other existed until their father died in that crash. Told in dual perpectives we get to learn about each girls lives.
Camino and her aunt, who acts as a mother figure since her own mother passed away, live in the Dominican Republic. They are not rich by any means but they do live in one of the nicer neighbourhoods thanks to Camino’s Fathers job. Acevedo description of the island made me feel like I was right there on the beach with Camino.
The other girl, Yahaira lives in New York City with her mother. Her life is cozier and they don’t need to worry about the same struggles as Camino, but she does have her own stress to deal with.
“one thing I learned from the Saints,when the crossroads are open to you, you must decide a path. I will not stand still while the world makes my choices.”
Elizabeth Acevedo continues to blow me away with her lyrical writing and storytelling. I listened to this via audiobook which is narrated by the author, I think that is so special to have her read the story to you. I cried many tears while listening to this story as I to listen my Father to an accident and this story brought up many feelings, but it is such a beautifully told story.
I highly recommend this book as well as Elizabeth Acevedo other books, they are all fantastic. I cannot wait to read what she writes next.
I really want to read more of her books because I loved With the Fire on High but I have to be careful reading books that include sexual assault. Is there a big focus (like a detailed description of it) on that or is it more of a mention that it happened without really going into detail? I really like your review and would love to read this.
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It’s more of an attempt, it pretty brief like s few paragraphs. Nothing really happened but he does try something she fights him off.
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This was such a phenomenal read, I’m seriously contemplating buying the audiobook for a re-read since Acevedo is an awesome narrator. I’m sorry to hear about your loss Steph, this couldn’t have been an easy read. Hugs! ❤
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I’ve only read The Poet X but I’m hoping to read this one soon! Her writing style is just amazing and the stories she tells are so heartbreaking yet important! Glad you enjoyed it! ♥
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I have loved all of Acevedo’s books too. I was so emotional during the ending. I just thought that was the most beautiful thing that happened there.
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I’m SO glad you enjoyed this one, I totally loved it as well, it’s so moving and meaningful 🥺🥺🥺
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