A book that is wonderfully written, long, and leisurely rich. It unfolds at a slow pace, allowing the characters to be developed with such loving care. As I delved into its pages, I was acutely aware of how much I was relishing the act of reading it.

The story seems to meander gently, like a meandering stream, taking its time to explore every nook and cranny of the fictional world it has created. The characters come alive on the page, their personalities and motives carefully crafted and revealed bit by bit.

Reading this book is like taking a long, luxurious bath. It relaxes the mind and soothes the soul, allowing me to escape from the hustle and bustle of the real world and immerse myself in a different reality. I find myself looking forward to every spare moment when I can pick up this book and continue my journey through its pages.

I originally read Oscar Hijuelos' The Fourteen Sisters of Emilio Montez O'Brien when it first came out. I was in twelfth grade and had a great passion for reading books about Hispanic culture at that time. The Montez O'Brien family was precisely the kind of family that completely captivated me. It was a fascinating melting pot of Cuban, Irish, and Spanish cultures. Hijuelos' tale was about fourteen sisters, each with her own distinct personality, all within one family. The story took a retrospective look at the last hundred years of their family's history in an epic saga. It contained the magical realism that I absolutely adore, although perhaps not quite at the level of Isabel Allende. Nevertheless, the Montez O'Brien's story was a truly fun read, and it is one that I would not mind revisiting in the future. It offered a unique and engaging perspective on family, culture, and history, and left a lasting impression on me.

An Irish immigrant, who has a passion for photography, embarks on a journey to Cuba during the tumultuous Spanish-American War. There, he crosses paths with the enchanting Mariela Montez, a woman with a sensitive and poetic soul. Their encounter leads to a deep and lasting connection.

Over the years, Mariela gives birth to fourteen daughters, each one a unique and precious gift. Despite the challenges and hardships they face, their love endures. Finally, after all those daughters, a son, Emilio, is born into their family.

This novel beautifully portrays the strength and resilience of the feminine. It showcases the love, sacrifice, and determination of Mariela as she raises her children and stands by her husband through thick and thin. It is a celebration of the power and beauty of women, and a testament to the enduring nature of love.

A whole lot of graphic sex scenes can be found in this rather strange novel penned by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Oscar Hijuelos. It's currently on sale for my Kindle.

I must admit that I found the endless tales about the 14 sisters and their love lives to be rather boring. However, it wasn't quite boring enough to prevent me from finishing it. The author's sentences have a distinct style, almost as if my Spanish teacher were trying to get me to write: long, flowery sentences that sometimes seem to go on forever.

The parents of these 15 children also seem rather implausible. There's a Cuban woman who never really learns to speak English and writes her memoirs but refuses to let her daughters read them. Then there's her Irish American photographer husband, who brings her to the U.S. They engage in a lot of sexual activity, but seemingly have very little other communication. As time passes, he gradually drinks himself to death, while she mainly spends her time either feeling lonely without her adult children or having an overwhelming number of visitors as they come back to see her or take her on trips.

To top it off, there is very little plot to speak of. I really had trouble relating to this book on any meaningful level.

It's a rather odd and somewhat disappointing read, despite the author's prestigious award.

An Irish immigrant, with a passion for photography, embarks on a journey to Cuba during the tumultuous Spanish-American War. There, in the vibrant and exotic land, he encounters the enchanting Mariela Montez. She is a woman of great sensitivity and poetic charm. Their encounter blossoms into a deep and abiding love.

Mariela Montez gives birth to fourteen beautiful daughters for the Irish immigrant. Each daughter is a precious gift, carrying with them the hopes and dreams of their parents. The family grows and thrives, despite the challenges and uncertainties of life during war.

Finally, after many years, Mariela gives birth to a son, Emilio. The arrival of Emilio is a cause for great celebration. He is the long-awaited heir, the one who will carry on the family name. This story is not just a tale of love and family, but also a paean to the feminine. It celebrates the strength, beauty, and resilience of women like Mariela Montez.

A Magical Story

Here is a truly magical story penned by one of my all-time favorite authors, Oscar Hijuelos.

Just try to imagine yourself as one of the fourteen sisters of Emilio Montez. Emilio was the fifteenth child to be born into this warm and loving, closely-knit family. The family was a beautiful blend, with an Irish father and a Cuban mother.

The story is not just about the characters and their lives but also about the enchanting world that Hijuelos creates with his words. It is worth reading if only to inhale the captivating scent of Hijuelos's lyrical prose. His words have a charm and a magic of their own that draw you in and make you feel as if you are a part of the story.

As you turn the pages, you will be transported to a different time and place, experiencing the joys and sorrows of the characters along with them. It is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

A truly beautiful, fluid novel that succeeds in encompassing a family history in a form that seems ineluctably natural. Hijuelos demonstrates remarkable lyrical skill as he guides the reader through the complexity of this vast Cuban-Irish family. The novel is not only filled with beautiful prose but also features subtle eroticism and solid realism. It creates a vivid and engaging world that draws the reader in and makes them feel as if they are part of the family's story.

I've just finished reading this novel and I'm already longing to visit with the characters again. I want to know more about their lives, their relationships, and their struggles. The story has left such a deep impression on me that I can't wait to immerse myself in it once more. Immediately. Now.

This novel is a masterpiece that combines elements of history, culture, and human emotion to create a truly unforgettable reading experience. It is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story and wants to explore the rich and diverse world of literature.

An Irish/Cuban family residing in Pennsylvania offers a plethora of really good stories. However, the narrative is marred by an excessive number of threads that crisscross in a rather disorganized fashion. As a result, the reader never truly gets to know or develop a deep sense of care for any of the characters. Despite this flaw, it still manages to be a decent vacation book. It can provide some entertainment during those lazy days by the beach or by the pool. The various storylines, although disjointed, do have their moments of interest. It's not a literary masterpiece, but it can pass the time and offer a bit of escapism. So, if you're looking for a light read for your vacation, this book might just do the trick.

Wonderful and Enchanting

This family, with a unique blend of Irish and Cuban blood, represents the countless immigrants who embarked on the arduous journey to the United States. Their story is truly a remarkable family saga that spans the past century. The fourteen sisters and brother have lived through various historical events and cultural shifts, each adding a new layer to their rich and diverse family history. Their experiences, struggles, and triumphs have shaped them into the resilient and close-knit family they are today.

Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of immigration and the contributions that immigrants have made to the fabric of American society. It is a story that is both wonderful and enchanting, filled with love, laughter, and tears. As we look back on their journey, we are inspired by their courage and determination, and we are reminded of the power of family and the importance of keeping our heritage alive.

This family's story is a testament to the American dream and the possibility of building a better life through hard work and perseverance. It is a story that will continue to be passed down from generation to generation, serving as a source of inspiration and pride for all who hear it.

A Magical Trip Through Time, Life and a Family

Hijuelos' book is truly a remarkable piece of literature. It takes the reader on a captivating journey that weaves together the elements of time, life, and family in the most enchanting way.

The story unfolds like a beautiful tapestry, with each thread representing a different aspect of the characters' lives. Through Hijuelos' masterful writing, we are able to witness the passage of time and how it shapes the family's relationships and experiences.

It is a book that makes you reflect on the meaning of life and the importance of family. The characters are so vividly drawn that you feel as if you know them personally. You laugh with them, cry with them, and share in their joys and sorrows.

Arguably, this is Hijuelos' best book to date. It is a literary masterpiece that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page. If you are looking for a book that will transport you to another world and leave you with a sense of wonder and inspiration, then this is the book for you.

I really enjoyed the fascinating saga of the blended Irish Cuban family in southern Pennsylvania.

Their story was filled with unique cultural elements and experiences that made it truly captivating.

The combination of Irish and Cuban traditions, languages, and cuisines added a rich and diverse flavor to their family life.

It was interesting to learn about how they navigated the challenges and joys of bringing two different cultures together under one roof.

Their family bonds seemed to grow stronger through their shared experiences and the love they had for one another.

Overall, it was a wonderful and inspiring story that left me with a greater appreciation for the beauty and complexity of blended families.

I look forward to hearing more about their adventures and seeing how their family continues to evolve and thrive in the future.

The first half of the story was rather slow-paced.

This was precisely the reason why I repeatedly put it aside to read other books.

I found myself easily distracted by the lack of momentum in the initial part.

However, as the narrative progressed towards the end, it narrowed down its focus to just a few of the siblings.

This change made the story more manageable and engaging.

Suddenly, I became more interested in following the developments and interactions of these particular characters.

The story took on a new life, and I was no longer inclined to abandon it.

It was as if a new chapter had begun, captivating my attention and making me eager to see how it would all unfold.

Despite the slow start, the final part of the book redeemed itself and left me with a sense of satisfaction.