Islandborn
Ratings4
Average rating4.5
The art and imagery was really beautiful.
Just listened to the audiobook and it was gorgeous. I actually prefer it to the book itself. The music was nice addition
Lola can't remember much about the island where she was born. Her family and friends help her by sharing their memories. A story of remembering and community, with beautiful illustrations.
Overall, this was a great read with a wonderful message. For many of us in the diaspora, the motherland lives within our soul. The soul aches to go back and never forgets.
It is clear within parts of the book that baby girl is Dominican but there are other parts that made me think of Puerto Rico (Wepa is used and I only know Puerto Ricans to use it). My point is that the island is referred to as the island throughout and the messages sprinkled throughout were neutral. I appreciated this touch because it felt as though the author wanted everyone to be seen within these pages. Anyone can relate to this book if it resonates and doesn't have to feel isolated. Many come to this country out of need and not out of want. The monster referred to in the book could be so many things: climate disasters, wars, tax free foreign corporations, selling government protected lands, illness... The list goes on and on. The monster is whatever disrupts the culture and land of your origin.
I loved this little book. I read it with my eyeballs and listened to the audiobook.
