This was so gorgeous and emotional and well-rounded while still using simple and straightforward writing, which I loved. I was impressed by how much story and backstory Patricia Engel could fit in such a short novel without it feeling rushed or too crammed. Each member of the family was developed so well, and I liked how they both felt like real people and like representations of larger issues, like the tension but also unconditional love between Talia and her siblings that grew up in the US. I loved Mauro and his story, and the way he brought in old folk tales. Just loved it.