Ugh, NOTHING HAPPENED.

It seems as if I have been trapped in a never-ending cycle of reading page after page after page of what feels like some pre-pubescent, incestuous fantasy.

This experience has been truly awful.

The content is so disturbing and unappealing that I could not bring myself to continue, and I most definitely will not finish it.

It's as if the author has delved into the darkest recesses of the mind and presented a narrative that is both uncomfortable and uninteresting.

I can't help but wonder what possessed the writer to create such a work.

Perhaps it was an attempt to push boundaries or explore taboos, but in my opinion, it has failed miserably.

I'm left feeling disappointed and frustrated, having wasted my time on something that offered no value or entertainment.

I will definitely be steering clear of similar works in the future.

The novel is a magnificently written epic American story that follows a pair of Irish and Cuban emigrants and their family over a period of approximately a century.

Oscar Hijuelos has done an excellent job in portraying all the characters within this large family. However, there is an undeniable disproportionate emphasis on the eldest sister, Margarita, who lived to a ripe old age.

It is truly a pity that Hijuelos himself did not reach old age. He was such an articulate, intelligent, and evocative writer. His ability to bring the story and the characters to life was remarkable.

Fortunately, he has left behind a significant body of work as his legacy. This allows readers to continue to explore and appreciate his unique writing style and the captivating stories he told.

Overall, despite the slight imbalance in character focus, the novel remains a powerful and engaging read that offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the emigrant family and the American experience over time.

It really felt like I was saying goodbye to my own family when it ended. I know he won the Pulitzer for 'Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love', but I found this book to be the better one. From the very beginning, I was completely sucked in. I couldn't put it down and would read long into each night until I finally finished it. It's the kind of writing that demands to be savored slowly, like a fine wine. The author has a remarkable ability to convey deep emotions without resorting to the cloying sentiment that some writers use to manipulate readers. I often found myself re-reading passages just to fully experience his wonderful details. And that final passage in the book was so powerful that it made tears run rings around my eyes. It was truly a moving and unforgettable reading experience.

It was a good book.

It was long, and at times, I almost put it down. The length seemed a bit overwhelming initially.

However, then a line in the book would resonate with me. It was as if that particular line was speaking directly to my heart and soul.

That moment of connection made me decide to stick with it. I'm very glad I did.

As I continued reading, I discovered more and more profound insights and beautiful passages.

The book took me on a journey, filled with emotions and thoughts that I had never considered before.

It broadened my perspective and made me a better person.

Now, I look back at that decision to persevere and realize that it was one of the best choices I made while reading.

It taught me that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences come from not giving up easily.

I absolutely adored this book. I had perused it several years ago, and after parting with my copy, I was overcome with the urge to obtain another. Recently, I discovered it sitting on my shelf, and without hesitation, I decided to embark on a reread.

Remarkably, it had the exact same impact on me as before - I fell in love with it all over again. What strikes me as rather curious is the author's utilization of the past continuous tense (or so I believe it is called), which is typically a taboo in realistic fiction. However, in this instance, it doesn't seem to matter one bit. Instead, it imparts an air of nostalgia that permeates the entire novel.

I do have one solitary concern (and I would be highly intrigued to hear what others might think): the character Gloria has an alarmingly unhealthy attachment to her brother. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that she may be hurtling towards some sort of cataclysmic conclusion. Yet, at one particular juncture, she abruptly does a 180-degree turn and realizes she has been acting foolishly. Somehow, this seems to run counter to our common understanding of human nature. I can't help but wonder if Hijuelos simply didn't wish to venture into such a dark and foreboding territory.

Aside from that, the characters were vividly and sympathetically delineated. Even the reprobate Emilio manages to redeem himself in the end. Moreover, the sense of time and place was exquisitely portrayed.

What an amazing book!

I have to admit that it took me a while to get into it. However, the brilliant writing managed to keep me interested until I was completely hooked on the story.

The book tells the tale of Irish-born Nelson O'Brien and Cuban-born Mariela Montez and their fifteen children. Much of the story is related from the viewpoints of the eldest, Margarita, and the youngest, Emilio.

It is a wonderful mass of life, chronicling their hopes, dreams, and travails. The story starts in the early 1900s and continues into the 1990s.

To use a favorite term of a friend of mine, Hijuelos is a fine adjective mongerer. He writes beautifully, and his magic may be slow to enthrall, but once it captures you, you stay hooked.

This book is a most excellent way to start out the 2015 year in books. It offers a rich and engaging narrative that will keep readers entertained and enlightened from beginning to end.

Would not recommend


At first, the story seems quite good and engaging. It manages to draw the reader in and hold their attention for a while. However, as the narrative progresses, it starts to become a bit laborious. There are simply too many characters introduced, which makes it difficult to keep track of them all and their individual storylines. It feels like the author is trying to cram in too much, and as a result, the pacing of the story suffers.

On the positive side, the historical factors incorporated into the story are quite interesting. They add a layer of depth and authenticity, and give the reader a glimpse into a different time and place. But unfortunately, this is not enough to make up for the other shortcomings of the story. Overall, while there are some good elements, the excessive number of characters and the resulting lack of focus make this a story that I would not recommend.

I have a profound affection for all of Hijuelos' literary creations. Each one of his works seems to possess a unique charm that captivates my heart. However, among them all, this particular one holds a special place and is truly my very favorite.

It has a certain allure that draws me in from the very first page. The characters are vividly portrayed, and their stories unfold in a way that keeps me on the edge of my seat. The plot is rich and engaging, filled with twists and turns that I never saw coming.

The language Hijuelos uses is both beautiful and evocative, painting a vivid picture in my mind. I find myself completely immersed in the world he has created, experiencing every emotion along with the characters. This work is not just a book; it is an experience that I will cherish for a long time.

It took a considerable amount of time for me to truly engage with this book.

In fact, on one or two occasions, I seriously considered giving up on it.

However, I am extremely glad that I chose to persevere.

The book does have moments where it appears rather disjointed - with the frequent switching of narrators and the constant back and forth between the present, past, and at times, even the future.

I have the impression that the author could have either reduced the number of sisters or delved more deeply into their individual tales.

At times, I found myself forgetting the specific details of some of the sisters as they are only mentioned in passing.

And as several other reviewers have already pointed out, if you are offended by explicit descriptions of sex, then this book is definitely not for you!

Overall, despite its flaws, there were still aspects of the book that managed to hold my attention and keep me reading until the end.

I have no idea how Oscar Hijuelos managed to bring into being a family consisting of seventeen members and endow each one with a distinctiveness and memorability that is truly remarkable. However, there is no doubt that The Fourteen Sisters of Emilio Montez O’Brien is an absolute masterpiece, not only in terms of its writing but also in its exploration of food.

The story weaves together the lives and experiences of these fourteen sisters, each with her own dreams, desires, and idiosyncrasies. Hijuelos’ writing is so vivid and engaging that readers are immediately drawn into their world and become invested in their fates.

In addition to the compelling characters, the book also features a rich and detailed exploration of food. The sisters’ love for cooking and sharing meals is a central theme of the story, and Hijuelos describes the dishes they prepare with such mouthwatering precision that readers can almost taste them.

Overall, The Fourteen Sisters of Emilio Montez O’Brien is a must-read for anyone who loves great literature and delicious food. It is a book that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page.

Read more here: http://suannelaqueurwrites.com/litera...

Would someone please tell me what the heck this book is about?

It could potentially be a story of the feminization of the world.

The idea of the feminization of the world is an interesting concept that might explore how traditional gender roles and norms are evolving and perhaps being redefined.

Maybe the book delves into the various aspects of this phenomenon, such as the increasing presence and influence of women in different fields, the changing attitudes towards femininity and masculinity, and the potential impact on society as a whole.

Moreover, the mention of lovely prose indicates that the author has a way with words, which could enhance the reading experience and make the exploration of this topic even more engaging.

Overall, this book seems to hold the promise of being an interesting and thought-provoking read that could offer valuable insights into the complex and ever-changing landscape of gender in our world.

Emilio, who was miscast and somewhat deficient in conveying the wisdom of the man he portrayed in the play, had one redeeming quality. He did not forget his lines. During the curtain call, he made a significant impression on the part of the audience that consisted of his family. His mother, father, and all the sisters who had come to show their support and applaud loudly. Their enthusiastic clapping rose above the polite response of an otherwise indifferent audience.

This quote encapsulates the overall sentiment of the entire book for me. Everything seems amiss, misunderstood, left unspoken, and misspoken in a thoroughly unsatisfying and incomplete manner. I attempted to read it twice but could not bring myself to finish. UGH.

The experience of reading this book was like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. The characters and their actions felt disjointed and lacking in coherence. The story failed to engage me on a deeper level, leaving me with a sense of frustration and disappointment.

Perhaps others may find something of value in this book, but for me, it was a struggle from start to finish. I cannot recommend it to those seeking a fulfilling and engaging read.