Family Resemblance

by Tanya Maria Barrientos

Twenty-five years after her mother's death, Nita DeLeon is sifting through family history and papers when she discovers an old letter from her Aunt Pancha hidden in an address book, a letter that sheds new light on her parents' lives in Guatemala and reveals an old family secret that could shed light on her own hidden heritage. By the author of Frontera Street. Original.

Genres: Fiction

250 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[Barbarac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lately my life has been pretty crazy, and I barely have any time to read, and even less to write reviews. So I hadn't planned on writing one today, even though I liked this book. But then I noticed there are barely any reviews to this book here, and darn it! it deserves better.
This was a great story about how our culture and family are also part of who we are, whether we notice it or not. And it's about how family and friends will outlast everything.
Juanita (Nita) is a woman that has grown up in the US without knowing anything about her family or culture, and suddenly it all comes crushing down on her. There are some sad parts to this story, but most of if just leaves you with a feeling of hope. And, as always I loved to learn about Guatemalan traditions.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the story of the daughter of immigrants who came to the US from Guatemala. She now lives in Philadelphia as an adult and the novel centers around her dealing with old family secrets the tension between how your parents' history and choices define you as your own person.

I felt a kinship about this novel with such close ties to two places I have called home: Guatemala and Philadelphia. The story has good bones: I like the characters, I enjoy the complicated scenarios and questions it raises but the timeline is too short for me. The meat of the novel takes place across about a month or so although there are flashbacks. I wanted there to be more time for characters to grapple and resolve or not resolve the conflicts they face. It felt like they were able to make major life changes far too quickly and that kept me from being truly invested in the story.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how the writing was easy to read and yet the topics brought up and discussed were complex and important. The main character was almost too dramatic but then again I understand why because of what she was going through. It made me cry and laugh. I love this book.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story about the bringing together of a family that had been separated for years because of the political upheavals in Guatemala. The reunion of the granddaughter born in the US with family from Guatemala is very touching. This is not a story I will soon forget.

[Jim Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Neda Chlala · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great. It's a story about not only learning about one's culture and background but how that actually affects who you are as a person. No matter how much people deny it, someone's culture is important to their identity, especially when you live in the USA and assimilation has been forced down so many people's throats.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is a wonderful author. Enjoyed this story very much, but her first novel "Frontera Street" is a favorite.

[Zelda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading this book. Never wanted it to end.

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. Solid 3.5 -4 stars. It's short and interesting.