Green Heart by Alice Hoffman

I have no idea how I came to be in possession of this book.  It is not labeled as being from our vendor, nor is it in my personal Amazon account.  I simply found it in my "to read" pile.  

This is actually two short novellas, of about 125 pages each.  It is a very quick read.

The first story is about a young woman who loses her entire family--parents and little sister--in a fire.  She and her dog are all that is left in their small village home.  The city they visited burned to the ground, with many people within its walls.  Green's gardens are raided by looters shortly thereafter.  She must learn to survive on her own, befriending another dog, a hawk, several small birds, and a few human along the way.  It was kinda like The Hunger Games meets Snow White.  It becomes clear Green has supernatural powers, although she doesn't seem to understand how or why or what her purpose is.  She tattoos herself with nature imagery, and a heart when she falls in love.

The second story further explains the fire--caused by a marauding horde looking to revert the city to more conservative/traditional roles and values.  Green must visit other women who have other supernatural powers to write their stories in order to understand her own.  I don't want to spoil too much, by I do not believe Green actually finds herself, although the story's ending is happy.

In summation, a quick read that held my interest, but nothing spectacular. 

A reminder that all opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W. 

The House of Gucci by Sarah Gay Forden

As you all know, I have a rule to read the book before I see the movie.  In this case, I didn't know House of Gucci was a book first. 

Now, let's get a few things straight.  I am not a Lady Gaga fan.  Her music gets the channel changed.  I was not excited by Adam Driver as Ben/Kylo in Star Wars.  I do not even own one Gucci item.  But, I do remember the murder of Maurizio Gucci by his soon to be ex wife Patrizia Reggiani Gucci.  I might have gone to see just what a train wreck the movie might be.  However, just like Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett in Neon Angels/The Runaways, Lady Gaga blew me away as Patrizia.  She deserves an Oscar. 

Of course, after seeing the movie, I ordered the book!  The book goes way more into the history of both the Gucci family (for example, there are other brothers besides Aldo and Rodolfo, played by Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons respectively, both phenomenal!).  And Aldo had a ton of other kids besides Paolo (Jared Leto should earn at least a nomination for his performance!).  Perhaps the biggest omission was that Maurizio and Patrizia had a 2nd daughter who was left out.  I am guessing this was for simplicity and streamlining what is already at 2.5 hour movie (hit the bathroom BEFORE it starts...).  There is also a LOT of complicated math and tax law discussed, as Gucci falls under both American law and Italian law.  Patrizia is merely a supporting character in the book.

I have to say, in this case, the movie is better than the book for me!  But, if fashion or true crime is an interest for you, definitely check this out.

A reminder all opinions expressed on this blog and the video version of it are solely mine. 

La Belle Creole: The Cuban Countess by Alina Garcia LaPuerta

In looking for non-fiction featuring Latinas, this was recommended by our book vendor.  The description reminded me of The Murder of Helen Jewett, one of my all time favorite books, in that it was a true historical account of a woman ahead of her time, making waves in a society she didn't belong in, who needs her story told.

Maria de las Mercedes Santa Cruz y Montalvo was born in Cuba in 1789, left for Spain at age 13, and married French General Antoine Merlin making her Countess Merlin.  She used her position of authority in upper class society to promote the arts--theater, music, visual, literary.  Eventually she traveled back to Havana, detailing her trip and becoming an author herself.      

The problem with this book, for me, was that is was name and family tree heavy in the beginning.  There were soooooo many names and dates and places it was difficult to keep straight.  And that point, I had no idea who Countess Merlin was or why I should even care about her story.  As a result, I found myself bored and skipping details.  Once I got to the "meat and potatoes", I went back to read the drier points in the beginning.  I wish the author had put her accomplishments or historical significance at the forefront, so that I would WANT to know her background.

Although I was not a fan, I am glad we are able to add this to our collection and add more Latina voices to our history. 

A reminder all opinions expressed on this blog and the video version of it are solely those of Mrs. W.