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I found there was, within me, an invincible summer



In Brooklyn during 2015, the snow storm of the decade transforms three lives immeasurably.  It's a bit of cliche to have characters meet by coincidence fall in love, fight for each other's safety, and create a bond that lasts a lifetime.  However, Allende is not one for simple lives and predictable paths.  Each character has faced torture and disaster that leaves a permanent scar.   The back story for Lucia, Evelyn and Richard is woven into the journey they take together, recounting their pasts as they face the future together.  

One of the most interesting aspects for me as a reader is the way Allende includes the history of both Chile and Guatemala within the novel.  There is a sense of familiarity when describing home life, family relationships and growing into an adult. However, there is also the gut wrenching inclusion of the gangs Evelyn's grandmother must face off against in Guatemala, and the political disappearances Lucia writes about in Chile.  On the other hand, I have the most difficult time sympathizing with Richard. His own destruction seems to be slightly self-made and therefore challenges me to believe in his second chance as well.  

There is an overwhelming sense of natural justice and karma, as Lucia says as one point "The law is cruel and justice is blind." Her goal being to tip the scale slightly toward natural justice.  A significant sentiment as Allende delves into the lives of undocumented immigrants and refugees.  She leaves the reader with hope that through the darkest, coldest days it is never too late for a happy ending. 

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.”
— Albert Camus


Learn More Read More:

http://www.pbs.org/pov/judgeandthegeneral/background/

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5996864-this-is-for-the-mara-salvatrucha

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