Booklife Review
Title: A Very Fine House
Author: Rose Molina
Genre: Fiction/General Fiction (including literary and historical)
Audience: Adult
Word Count: 74000
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: A Very Fine House tells the story of the narrator Letty’s childhood discovery of an abandoned Victorian mansion, which becomes a source of fascination and solace for her and her friends. Set against the backdrop of significant cultural and historical events–the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, the Manson trial–the fine-tuned narrative evokes the magic and mystery of childhood, while examining the complexity of the historical era.
Prose: Molina has a lyrical and captivating writing style that flows evenly between descriptive passages, exposition, and dialogue. The author effectively captures the nuances of the era via interactions between both children and adult characters, and the older narrative voice is effectively balanced against the immersive experiences and perceptions of young Letty.
Originality: Molina brings a unique sensibility to this coming-of-age novel through its exploration of cultural identity in Vietnam War-era America. The blending of imagination with history results in a smart and nostalgic work that avoids heavy-handedness in favor of subtle storytelling.
Character/Execution: Letty is an endearing heroine who comes across as torn between childhood escapism and the turbulent world around her. Readers will be both moved and enriched as Letty navigates the tensions between her Mexican heritage and American culture, as well as the messaging she receives through the lens of Catholicism.
Score:
- Plot/Idea: 8
- Originality: 8
- Prose: 9
- Character/Execution: 9
- Overall: 8.50
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2022
Reviewed in the United States November 14, 2021
This is a delightful story of four young women experiencing a rite of passage from childhood into the teenage years. Written in a time of social, religious and political controversy, the story moves through some tough adolescent issues with grace. The house? Well, I really wish I could see this house on the Big Screen. Ms Molina walks us through it with respect, adventure and historical charm. I’d also love to read a sequel to learn how our young protagonist, Letty, manages into adulthood. Loved it!
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2021
A Very Fine House is a refreshing book for anyone wanting to escape the stresses riddled in modern day life. Written from the perspective of a second generation teen, Letty engages you as she walks through her struggles of making sense of a complicated world. Educational, funny, and compelling. A must read!
Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2021
Nostalgic Look At Adolescence.
One of those wonderful books that takes you to another time and place. With brilliant descriptive writing, we experience the turbulent 1970’s through the eyes of a adolescent girl, when she discovers a old abandon house in her neighborhood. It becomes her refuge to all the political, social and religious questions that are swirling all around her. In the end she realizes the nostalgia of childhood must give way to make room for the future.
Review on Reedsy.com
The book brought back memories of junior high school. I won’t give it away but I loved the ending. It’s called “life” and we all eventually have to learn about it.
Review on Reedsy.com
I relived so much of my youth while reading these pages. Such a great book for all women, young and old.
