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A review by bookdragon217
Barbacoa, Bomba, and Betrayal by Raquel V. Reyes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
"Siempre es la misma mierda. Americans getting tax-free status to invest in the island, but the boricuas get nothing but taxation without representation."
Barbacoa, Bomba, Betrayal by Raquel V. Reyes was such a delight to read. It was a love song to El Viejo San Juan and a love letter to Puerto Ricans who continue to resist and fight to remain on their island. Reyes' writing was descriptive and vibrant. Reading this book felt like I was walking through the streets of San Juan and having some yummy street food along the way. Overall, this book brought me so much comfort and nostalgia that I can't wait to go back to Puerto Rico soon.
Reyes' storytelling ability has sold me on the genre of cozy mysteries. It was packed with Caribbean flavor, history, and culture. I appreciated the attention to detail and the call to action, especially for readers who are not familiar with Puerto Rico's history. I loved how Reyes connected Cubans, Dominicans, and Puerto Ricans through the common thread of colonialism and modern-day gentrification. This story calls out the tourism and predatory real estate industries and unmasks its true intent—advancing US corporate interest and displacing caribeños. Reyes managed to tackle themes of colonialism, influencer culture, the explosion of bitcoin, Air BnB's and native displacement in Puerto Rico but still celebrate the moments of joy, resilience, humor and pride that embodies the Puerto Rican people. I was swept up instantly in the mystery and I loved the humorous interplay with names and Easter eggs Reyes dropped throughout the story. I won't easily forget Mr. Brandon Pickles, a bitcoon bro. I adored the fact that this one was told through the lens of food anthropology and history.
The shining stars are Reyes' characters. I'm officially obsessed with Miriam, the main protagonist. She reminds me of myself and the ways that I always end up playing amateur sleuth detective accidentally. Alma and Jorge were so much fun to read. All of the characters were fully fleshed out and had so much personality and individual flair. Their chemistry made this such an enjoyable reading experience. I can't wait to read the rest of Reyes' books.
Barbacoa, Bomba, Betrayal by Raquel V. Reyes was such a delight to read. It was a love song to El Viejo San Juan and a love letter to Puerto Ricans who continue to resist and fight to remain on their island. Reyes' writing was descriptive and vibrant. Reading this book felt like I was walking through the streets of San Juan and having some yummy street food along the way. Overall, this book brought me so much comfort and nostalgia that I can't wait to go back to Puerto Rico soon.
Reyes' storytelling ability has sold me on the genre of cozy mysteries. It was packed with Caribbean flavor, history, and culture. I appreciated the attention to detail and the call to action, especially for readers who are not familiar with Puerto Rico's history. I loved how Reyes connected Cubans, Dominicans, and Puerto Ricans through the common thread of colonialism and modern-day gentrification. This story calls out the tourism and predatory real estate industries and unmasks its true intent—advancing US corporate interest and displacing caribeños. Reyes managed to tackle themes of colonialism, influencer culture, the explosion of bitcoin, Air BnB's and native displacement in Puerto Rico but still celebrate the moments of joy, resilience, humor and pride that embodies the Puerto Rican people. I was swept up instantly in the mystery and I loved the humorous interplay with names and Easter eggs Reyes dropped throughout the story. I won't easily forget Mr. Brandon Pickles, a bitcoon bro. I adored the fact that this one was told through the lens of food anthropology and history.
The shining stars are Reyes' characters. I'm officially obsessed with Miriam, the main protagonist. She reminds me of myself and the ways that I always end up playing amateur sleuth detective accidentally. Alma and Jorge were so much fun to read. All of the characters were fully fleshed out and had so much personality and individual flair. Their chemistry made this such an enjoyable reading experience. I can't wait to read the rest of Reyes' books.