Eileen Cruz Coleman
Self-published,2010
Kindle ed, 282 pages
Genre(s) Interracial, Cultural
Source Author’s rep
Synopsis:
Sandy is young, smart, and attractive, and as an aspiring film student at a prestigious university in Washington, D.C., she seems to have everything going for her, including the attraction of one of her young, handsome professors.
But Sandy also has a past.
While very young, she is sent to live with her godmother in a small town in El Salvador. The town is nondescript in every way but one: in over seven years, no babies in the town have been born alive. Without a scientific reason for the stillborn children, it seems the only explanation is that the town is cursed.
Now grown and attending college in America, Sandy continues to carry the weight of her childhood with her, a burden that has always prevented her from ever being truly happy.
Then one day she meets a cafeteria worker named Elena, and Sandy instantly feels the pull of something mysterious and intriguing in the woman.
Reluctantly, Elena agrees to be the subject of Sandy’s film project, and in the process provides the key to unraveling the secrets of Sandy’s past and the path to finding true love in the future.
About the Author:
Eileen Cruz Coleman was born in Washington, D.C. to an immigrant El Salvadoran mother and a Puerto Rican father. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in History. Her short stories have appeared in numerous literary journals both online and in print. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two children.
My Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of this book by the author’s representative. I am providing an honest review for which I am receiving no compensation of any kind. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review: ✭✭✭
Sandy seemed to walk around in a fog for about three-quarters of the book. She was in her own little world even when she was forced to deal with people. It was like she stepped outside herself and watched her body go through the emotions of life. Even in her grieving process.
For me, it was hard to relate to the strong Latino aspect of this. It was stressed so much. Suffering is suffering no matter where you come from or the color of your skin. Why do we have to make such distinctions?
The book dragged and was depressing even with a happy ending. All of the sadness of the past is suddenly gone because the boy is with her, she finished her film, and Michael came back when she called. It seemed too neat and tidy after all the pain and sorrow, all the back and forth, present and the past. All tied up with a neat little bow of her inheritance.
The writing in this book is solid, but the book just doesn’t work. It’s another one where I’m stumbling around in the dark. Perhaps, I am not the right reader for the book.
a thoughtful reveal 