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Lost in Oaxaca
Once a promising young concert pianist, Camille Childs retreated to her mother’s Santa Barbara estate after an injury to her hand destroyed her hopes for a musical career. She now leads a solitary life teaching piano, and she has a star student: Graciela, the daughter of her mother’s Mexican housekeeper. Camille has been grooming the young Graciela for the career that she herself lost out on, and now Graciela, newly turned eighteen, has just won the grand prize in a piano competition, which means she gets to perform with the LA Philharmonic. Camille is ecstatic; if she can’t play herself, at least as Graciela’s teacher, she will finally get the recognition she deserves.
But there are only two weeks left before the concert, and Graciela has disappeared—gone back to her family’s village in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. Desperate to bring Graciela back in time for the concert, Camille goes after her, but on the way there, a bus accident leaves her without any of her possessions. Alone and unable to speak the language, Camille is befriended by Alejandro, a Zapotec man who lives in LA but is from the same village as Graciela. Despite a contentious first meeting, Alejandro helps Camille navigate the rugged terrain and unfamiliar culture of Oaxaca, allowing her the opportunity to view the world in a different light—and perhaps find love in the process.
But there are only two weeks left before the concert, and Graciela has disappeared—gone back to her family’s village in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. Desperate to bring Graciela back in time for the concert, Camille goes after her, but on the way there, a bus accident leaves her without any of her possessions. Alone and unable to speak the language, Camille is befriended by Alejandro, a Zapotec man who lives in LA but is from the same village as Graciela. Despite a contentious first meeting, Alejandro helps Camille navigate the rugged terrain and unfamiliar culture of Oaxaca, allowing her the opportunity to view the world in a different light—and perhaps find love in the process.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2020
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635 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 29, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up.
This story grew on me and so did the characters. For the first part of it, I thought it might be just a predictable romance and I was okay with that, I needed something a little lighter and uplifting. I was right about the predictable romance part. However, there was so much more here than that, with some tough themes such as abuse and also a portrayal of the relevant issue of immigration, Dreamers and the dangers faced by those seeking refuge and safety. It was also a look at another culture, another place at a time when reading a good book allows us to travel at a time when actual travel is not such an attractive thing during this difficult time.
Camille Childs teaches piano since her career as a concert pianist was cut off when she sustains an injury to her hand, the cause of which we don’t know until later in the story. She spends her days living in a guest house owned by her very well to do mother, giving lesions and putting her efforts into a special gifted student, the daughter of her mother’s housekeeper. When her student disappears to Mexico, Camille is intent on finding her so she can get the recognition due to her as a gifted musician. I didn’t really connect with Camille at this point getting the impression that she was doing it more for herself than her student. I didn’t like her controlling mother very much either . I didn’t like the guy she meets in Mexico who helps her when there’s a storm and she loses everything she had with her when they must evacuate a bus. I almost gave it but, but I’m so glad I didn’t because at some point when their stories are more fully revealed and when their characters become more fully realized , my opinion of all Camille, her mother and Alejandro changed drastically. The story comes to life and I definitely was interested in knowing what would happen. There was so much more to them than I initially thought and I was captivated by their goodness and generosity and how they changed some people’s lives.
I had to round it up because I went from thinking this was a light read to thinking about some relevant issues, always a good thing to get a view on things that happen to others that is out of our own experience.
I received an advanced copy of this book from She Writes Press through NetGalley.
This story grew on me and so did the characters. For the first part of it, I thought it might be just a predictable romance and I was okay with that, I needed something a little lighter and uplifting. I was right about the predictable romance part. However, there was so much more here than that, with some tough themes such as abuse and also a portrayal of the relevant issue of immigration, Dreamers and the dangers faced by those seeking refuge and safety. It was also a look at another culture, another place at a time when reading a good book allows us to travel at a time when actual travel is not such an attractive thing during this difficult time.
Camille Childs teaches piano since her career as a concert pianist was cut off when she sustains an injury to her hand, the cause of which we don’t know until later in the story. She spends her days living in a guest house owned by her very well to do mother, giving lesions and putting her efforts into a special gifted student, the daughter of her mother’s housekeeper. When her student disappears to Mexico, Camille is intent on finding her so she can get the recognition due to her as a gifted musician. I didn’t really connect with Camille at this point getting the impression that she was doing it more for herself than her student. I didn’t like her controlling mother very much either . I didn’t like the guy she meets in Mexico who helps her when there’s a storm and she loses everything she had with her when they must evacuate a bus. I almost gave it but, but I’m so glad I didn’t because at some point when their stories are more fully revealed and when their characters become more fully realized , my opinion of all Camille, her mother and Alejandro changed drastically. The story comes to life and I definitely was interested in knowing what would happen. There was so much more to them than I initially thought and I was captivated by their goodness and generosity and how they changed some people’s lives.
I had to round it up because I went from thinking this was a light read to thinking about some relevant issues, always a good thing to get a view on things that happen to others that is out of our own experience.
I received an advanced copy of this book from She Writes Press through NetGalley.
April 11, 2020
Lost in Oaxaca is a beautiful book. The author draws you right into the story with its sharply drawn characters and settings. The reader travels from Santa Barbara California to the rugged mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico.
The book addresses timely issues like culture, immigration, and abuse. I found the story quite emotional and really felt for the characters. There’s so much to discuss within these pages, and I think this would be a great for book clubs. Right now, we aren’t able to travel, but thank goodness for books that take us to other places. Overall, I enjoyed this quick, enveloping story.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
The book addresses timely issues like culture, immigration, and abuse. I found the story quite emotional and really felt for the characters. There’s so much to discuss within these pages, and I think this would be a great for book clubs. Right now, we aren’t able to travel, but thank goodness for books that take us to other places. Overall, I enjoyed this quick, enveloping story.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
June 22, 2024
I was hoping to get a taste of Oaxacan life in this story. Instead I got racist white girl turns white savior. Disappointed is an understatement. Hard to finish.
April 21, 2020
I started this book and couldn’t put it down. The characters and setting are richly drawn and the plot moves swiftly. From Santa Barbara to Oaxaca to LA, each locale is described in beautiful and vivid detail. The characters are complex, believable and sympathetic and the story is gripping. It’s a love story of two cultures against the backdrop of rural Mexico, and deals honestly with issues such as immigration, cultural differences, parental pressure and domestic abuse. I found myself rooting for the characters as the story progressed, and now I really want to visit Oaxaca! I highly recommend this book - the themes are relevant and current, and it feels personal and authentic.
August 26, 2021
This book made me hungry.
January 24, 2023
Read this book because I was traveling to Oaxaca. The story is suspenseful and melodramatic and leans heavily on cliches. I did enjoy the depiction of aspects of life in Oaxaca.
January 4, 2020
fabulous book, A+. Everyone should read it. It will make for a terrific book group discussion. It is about a promising young gifted pianist Camille Childs who, due to an injury to one hand, destroys her hopes for a piano career. She becomes a one handed piano teacher and finds a star student, Graciela, her mother’s Mexican housekeeper’s daughter. Graciela is amazing and wins a grand prize in a piano performance which qualifies her for performing with the LA Philarmonic in two weeks. But Graciella disappears without telling anyone and goes back to her family in the mountains of Oaxaca. Camillie is determined to find her and bring her back. This story is amazing and I literally couldn’t put the book down. The author had me rooting for the characters and I felt like I was there with them. Highly recommend this book to all when it is published as this is an advance reader copy and I feel lucky to have previewed it.
February 10, 2020
Lost in Oaxaca has it all! From the beginning, the characters draw you in and are lovable despite their flaws. The storyline starts with intrigue and action, then moves quickly, making you want to find out what will happen next. The descriptions and insights about Oaxaca from an outsider’s perspective add depth and richness to the plot. I loved learning about the culture and beauty of Oaxaca. We grow along with the protagonist in our understanding of another part of the world. The musical references made me want a sound track to accompany my reading! I guess I will have to wait for the movie. Lost in Oaxaca is one of the few books I’ve read that I couldn’t put down.
March 28, 2024
Overall a decent read, rounded up to 3 stars . I enjoyed the initial development of the storyline and main characters, and the plot twists at the end were interesting. However, periodically there are portions of the story that are almost written too simply and predictably, more like a standard romance novel formula. This is very different from the majority of the book, in which plot and characters are described more eloquently and gradually, it’s almost as if the author wanted to speed through certain sections of the story. And the culmination of the entire mystery is wrapped up quickly, in a disappointing fashion. A good mindless summer beach read but not a stellar book to recommend.
June 9, 2020
An Enjoyable and Entertaining Read!
A lovely tribute to Yalálag, its food, festivals, huaraches and huipiles, but, most especially, Jessica Winters Mireles captured its generous people and rich culture. That was the love story I enjoyed the most — although fiery Camille and charming Alejandro kept me turning pages as well. A welcome and unique journey to Oaxaca, Mexico during this very sheltered time!
A lovely tribute to Yalálag, its food, festivals, huaraches and huipiles, but, most especially, Jessica Winters Mireles captured its generous people and rich culture. That was the love story I enjoyed the most — although fiery Camille and charming Alejandro kept me turning pages as well. A welcome and unique journey to Oaxaca, Mexico during this very sheltered time!
November 23, 2023
The main character was insufferable especially considering she was meant to be a 37-year-old woman. She constantly behaved like a child, pouting, stomping her feet when she was angry, being selfish.The book itself was full of cliches and way too many unbelievable coincidences. There were also tons of cultural mistakes. Giving 2 stars only because because I enjoyed the descriptions of Oaxaca that reminded me of my time there. Very disappointed in this one.
May 13, 2020
I found this one cringeworthy. Camille is very difficult to like, and her obsession with Alejandro is annoying. I imagine it is a good romance novel, but I was hoping for something deeper. I did enjoy reading about Yalalag culture.
July 13, 2020
I liked this book, however, the main character was annoying. I greatly disliked her.
November 22, 2025
Lost in Oaxaca is a tale of love interwoven with the culture and traditions of Oaxaca. Enjoyable read.
March 23, 2024
The dialogue reads like bad YA crossed with Saturday morning cartoons. I kept wondering if the author ever bothers to read her dialogue aloud to see if it’s anything an actual person would say, or if maybe she heard it in a cartoon caper. Eg:
“Well, I don’t think I would do that if I were you.” He licks his index finger and thumb before slowly twisting one side of his mustache. “As I was sayin’ before, Popov and me are real tight — plus he owes me a big favor. In fact, he’s already been nice enough to make some long distance phone calls for me.”
Oy.
Also, the entire book is a classic case of tell-don’t-show. Totally painful to read.
But … 2 stars I guess, because the story was pretty engaging, and I have a soft spot for Oaxaca.
“Well, I don’t think I would do that if I were you.” He licks his index finger and thumb before slowly twisting one side of his mustache. “As I was sayin’ before, Popov and me are real tight — plus he owes me a big favor. In fact, he’s already been nice enough to make some long distance phone calls for me.”
Oy.
Also, the entire book is a classic case of tell-don’t-show. Totally painful to read.
But … 2 stars I guess, because the story was pretty engaging, and I have a soft spot for Oaxaca.
January 21, 2020
Lost in Oaxaca is worth reading for the beautiful descriptions of the scenery and culture of Oaxaca. It's also worth reading for its exposition of white privilege and how it often is manifested when white Americans travel. The protagonist confronts her privilege and learns much about herself in the process, although her transformation is as quick and as complete as if we were trying to wrap this up in a 30 minute TV show. Nevertheless, this could be an effective tool for a book club discussion on the topic.
May 6, 2020
An unusual story of a woman finding herself in ways she could not have imagined. Set in beautiful Oaxaca it takes us into the hearts, not only of Camille, but of the local people. Beautifully and evocatively written and wamly recommended.
June 23, 2021
3.5 stars. Not bad, not really good. I read mostly for the Oaxaca connection since Mexico is my second home.
January 31, 2025
This is a light read about a concert pianist, Camille Childs, who has been forced to give up a promising career because one of her hands was somehow crippled, forcing her to resort to teaching piano and staying at her mother's Santa Barbara estate. She teaches, among others, the daughter of her mother's Mexican housekeeper, Graciela, who has shown herself to be a gifted pianist and who has just won first place in a competition; this win allows her to perform with the LA Philharmonic. However, two weeks before the concert, Graciela has disappeared without a word. Camille finds out that Graciela has returned to her family home in Yalálag, a village near Oaxaca. She decides to single-handedly go find her and bring her back.
We find that Camille is rather selfish in her endeavor. She doesn't really know anything about Graciela personally, and wants Graciela to boost Camille's career by her brilliant performances. As she is on a bus in the Oaxaca mountains during a rainstorm, and a landslide is threatening, the passengers must evacuate quickly. The landslide sweeps the bus over the cliff, along with Camille's possessions. Luckily, a kindly Zapotec man, Alejandro, who lives in L.A. but is from Yalálag, helps Camille after the accident.
During the story we find out how Camille's hand was destroyed and some of her past history with her alcoholic mother and an abusive boyfriend. We learn what it is to be an immigrant without documentation. We learn a smattering about violence in Mexico. And we learn about the kindness of the Mexican people in Alejandro and his aunt.
Some parts of this book are deeply written and other parts are quickly glossed over. I don't see any great understanding about Mexican culture, although Camille does start to show an appreciation for the people and culture. It's a very quick read, and compelling, despite its shortfalls. Rounding up from 3.5 to 4 stars.
We find that Camille is rather selfish in her endeavor. She doesn't really know anything about Graciela personally, and wants Graciela to boost Camille's career by her brilliant performances. As she is on a bus in the Oaxaca mountains during a rainstorm, and a landslide is threatening, the passengers must evacuate quickly. The landslide sweeps the bus over the cliff, along with Camille's possessions. Luckily, a kindly Zapotec man, Alejandro, who lives in L.A. but is from Yalálag, helps Camille after the accident.
During the story we find out how Camille's hand was destroyed and some of her past history with her alcoholic mother and an abusive boyfriend. We learn what it is to be an immigrant without documentation. We learn a smattering about violence in Mexico. And we learn about the kindness of the Mexican people in Alejandro and his aunt.
Some parts of this book are deeply written and other parts are quickly glossed over. I don't see any great understanding about Mexican culture, although Camille does start to show an appreciation for the people and culture. It's a very quick read, and compelling, despite its shortfalls. Rounding up from 3.5 to 4 stars.
April 19, 2022
I saw this book and I had to read it. I mean, a book set in Oaxaca? And the Zapotecs of Oaxaca?
Living among the rural Mixtecs, I thought, man, I gotta read this.
I went into it critically. Looking for cultural mistakes, I was blown away that I found very few, and those few were cleverly explained. (Like the fancy king size bed in the village that is cleverly explained away in order for the main character to sleep with the love interest in an ideal and “sexy” way. Unlike what the reality would be - very uncomfortable and leading to higher moral standards)
This being said, their are some sexual things. Not super detailed or erotic, but they are there, and so, as a good Christian reader, I warn that if that will hurt your soul and mind, best be aware. Also, there are strong cuss words.
So be warned.
The culture is depicted so well, that there is saint worship and praying to things that are’t God and some witch doctor stuff as well. I let it slide, however, because that is actually how it is.
However, despite all of this, about half way, it got really interesting and the story took some unexpected turns. These turns were very real and and they kind of redeemed the story for me, since the romance isn’t really my thing. There’s this whole thing about crossing the border illegally and ICE and it gets really realistic. I appreciate that. It’s a story that’s not told often.
I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. The main I character is annoying, the writing isn’t super (I remind you however, that my standard is C.S. Lewis) but the story redeems it. And not the romance story, the real Oaxaca one.
Living among the rural Mixtecs, I thought, man, I gotta read this.
I went into it critically. Looking for cultural mistakes, I was blown away that I found very few, and those few were cleverly explained. (Like the fancy king size bed in the village that is cleverly explained away in order for the main character to sleep with the love interest in an ideal and “sexy” way. Unlike what the reality would be - very uncomfortable and leading to higher moral standards)
This being said, their are some sexual things. Not super detailed or erotic, but they are there, and so, as a good Christian reader, I warn that if that will hurt your soul and mind, best be aware. Also, there are strong cuss words.
So be warned.
The culture is depicted so well, that there is saint worship and praying to things that are’t God and some witch doctor stuff as well. I let it slide, however, because that is actually how it is.
However, despite all of this, about half way, it got really interesting and the story took some unexpected turns. These turns were very real and and they kind of redeemed the story for me, since the romance isn’t really my thing. There’s this whole thing about crossing the border illegally and ICE and it gets really realistic. I appreciate that. It’s a story that’s not told often.
I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. The main I character is annoying, the writing isn’t super (I remind you however, that my standard is C.S. Lewis) but the story redeems it. And not the romance story, the real Oaxaca one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2022
Authentic & Entertaining
Truman Capote said that non-fiction makes the best fiction; it can also go the other way around. Jessica Mireles Winters’ novel, Lost in Oaxaca, tells true stories of the complexities of privilege and how (sometimes) differences can be bridged.
Having spent a lot of time in Oaxaca myself, Winters’ prose is alive with the beauty and hardship that is Mexico. Her portrayal of the first world middle class young woman assaulted by physical discomfort that even money cannot alleviate is as comedic and it is real. The novel’s tale of the closeness of Mexican families in contrast with the common chill within those of America (and Canada) is a truth that is most likely familiar to all citizens of Canada and the US.
However, there is a surprising and important turn in the plot where we discover that hardship and abuse is far from relegated to the Mexican side of the border. Winter fleshes out injustice that touches everyone in some way that, in the end, can unite us.
It has also been said to write what you know. Having also spent a lot of time in Oaxaca, while reading Lost in Oaxaca, I was there: in Oaxaca. It has also been said that a writer needs to be able to ‘suspend’ the reader’s disbelief: I also was not here, in the immediacy of my own life: I was with Camille and Alejandro in the Zapotec pueblo of Yalálag and then in the opposite world of privileged middle class America and all of the realities in between.
As a love story, in the end, the two worlds come together. How? Well, that would be a spoiler. However, it is an ending that could, indeed, be true.
Truman Capote said that non-fiction makes the best fiction; it can also go the other way around. Jessica Mireles Winters’ novel, Lost in Oaxaca, tells true stories of the complexities of privilege and how (sometimes) differences can be bridged.
Having spent a lot of time in Oaxaca myself, Winters’ prose is alive with the beauty and hardship that is Mexico. Her portrayal of the first world middle class young woman assaulted by physical discomfort that even money cannot alleviate is as comedic and it is real. The novel’s tale of the closeness of Mexican families in contrast with the common chill within those of America (and Canada) is a truth that is most likely familiar to all citizens of Canada and the US.
However, there is a surprising and important turn in the plot where we discover that hardship and abuse is far from relegated to the Mexican side of the border. Winter fleshes out injustice that touches everyone in some way that, in the end, can unite us.
It has also been said to write what you know. Having also spent a lot of time in Oaxaca, while reading Lost in Oaxaca, I was there: in Oaxaca. It has also been said that a writer needs to be able to ‘suspend’ the reader’s disbelief: I also was not here, in the immediacy of my own life: I was with Camille and Alejandro in the Zapotec pueblo of Yalálag and then in the opposite world of privileged middle class America and all of the realities in between.
As a love story, in the end, the two worlds come together. How? Well, that would be a spoiler. However, it is an ending that could, indeed, be true.
June 28, 2020
This debut novel takes place in Mexico - specifically in the rugged mountain terrain of Oaxaca. What started out as a traditional romance novel ended up being so much more. I learned about the language of the area, some of the customs and the lifestyle of the people who live here.
Camille is on a quest to find her protégé and bring her home for her concert that will pave the way for her to launch her career as a concert pianist. Young Graciela had fled to Oaxaca to help her sick mother so Camille headed there to find her. Camille had been a studying to be a pianist until an accident caused damage to her hand and ended her career. She now taught piano lessons and Graciela was her one hope of feeling like a winner again. Camille is totally out of her comfort zone on the bus trip to Oaxaca and when the bus is in an accident and she loses her passport and money, she is in over her head. She's befriended by a local man who takes her to his village so she can decide what to do next. She is definitely attracted to him but he isn't happy with her plan to take her student home and knows that it's more to help her feel like a success than it is for Graciela.
This is a story of self-discovery, love and forgiveness with romance sprinkled in. It touches on issues like immigration and the life of un-documented workers in the US. I learned a lot about the people and the culture in this part of Mexico and found this book to be both entertaining as well as educational. I highly recommend this book!
Camille is on a quest to find her protégé and bring her home for her concert that will pave the way for her to launch her career as a concert pianist. Young Graciela had fled to Oaxaca to help her sick mother so Camille headed there to find her. Camille had been a studying to be a pianist until an accident caused damage to her hand and ended her career. She now taught piano lessons and Graciela was her one hope of feeling like a winner again. Camille is totally out of her comfort zone on the bus trip to Oaxaca and when the bus is in an accident and she loses her passport and money, she is in over her head. She's befriended by a local man who takes her to his village so she can decide what to do next. She is definitely attracted to him but he isn't happy with her plan to take her student home and knows that it's more to help her feel like a success than it is for Graciela.
This is a story of self-discovery, love and forgiveness with romance sprinkled in. It touches on issues like immigration and the life of un-documented workers in the US. I learned a lot about the people and the culture in this part of Mexico and found this book to be both entertaining as well as educational. I highly recommend this book!
July 10, 2020
Woven into the story of a woman driven by the search to find her student in the rugged terrain of southern Mexico, Camille learns of the Oaxacan culture through the isolated community of Yalalag. Along for the journey, the reader experiences the heritage of the indigenous peoples, and hears of their languages and ancient religious practices that live side by side with San Antonio, a favorite patron saint.
Distracted in her search, Camille attends a festival with traditional music and dances, tamales, quesadillas homemade corn tortillas red and green mole, a soft white cheese, and a liquor called mezcal. But most importantly, she stops judging, looks inward and accepts the kindness and generosity of the people.
Mireles has written a courageous book for today’s readers, revealing unconscious bias many people deny, through the complex character of Camille. Camille is a woman of privilege protected by the manipulative relationship of a controlling mother. Blinded by her failed dream as a successful concert pianist she pursues fulfillment through her student’s success. In the process she repeats the mistakes her mother made with her and doesn’t embrace or even recognize the loving, caring and fragile person behind the talent. The deep mutual attraction of opposites is introduced through Alejandro who sees through the thoughtless responses of Camille as she is immersed in a culture she only knew as an observer. Alejandro challenges her biased reactions and leads her to new understanding of who she really is.
Distracted in her search, Camille attends a festival with traditional music and dances, tamales, quesadillas homemade corn tortillas red and green mole, a soft white cheese, and a liquor called mezcal. But most importantly, she stops judging, looks inward and accepts the kindness and generosity of the people.
Mireles has written a courageous book for today’s readers, revealing unconscious bias many people deny, through the complex character of Camille. Camille is a woman of privilege protected by the manipulative relationship of a controlling mother. Blinded by her failed dream as a successful concert pianist she pursues fulfillment through her student’s success. In the process she repeats the mistakes her mother made with her and doesn’t embrace or even recognize the loving, caring and fragile person behind the talent. The deep mutual attraction of opposites is introduced through Alejandro who sees through the thoughtless responses of Camille as she is immersed in a culture she only knew as an observer. Alejandro challenges her biased reactions and leads her to new understanding of who she really is.
January 3, 2024
For those who are impetuous. Who have spoken words they can't take back. Who have spoken the wrong words at the wrong time or in the wrong place. Who have been abused. You will not have any trouble identifying with the lead character.
101 advise for debutant writers: write what you know. Jessica Winter Mireles holds a degree in piano performance. She ably entwines music information into her story. Likewise, she tells of the culture of the Yalalag of Oaxaca in the most interesting way so that it adds to the story, not distracts. Her husband is an indigenous Zapotec from the highlands of Oaxaca.
Camille leaves her home in wealthy Montecito to search for her missing piano student, Graciela, who has disappeared 2 weeks before an important concert performance. An uncle says she has gone to Yalalag, Oaxaca, Mexico to be with her ailing mother who also disappeared. Thus begins Camille's adventure to find her and return her to the US in time to perform.
I could relate to this book on two levels. First, I was a student in Mexico for 6 months, then spent 3 months in the rural mountains of Chihuahua with no amenities, no running water or electricity, only an outhouse, kerosene lamps and a small ditch of mountain water. I have traveled throughout Mexico in the succeeding years but never made it to Oaxaca. It has always been on my list. Secondly, my grandmother was trained as a concert pianist. She taught me to learn to love classical music.
c
101 advise for debutant writers: write what you know. Jessica Winter Mireles holds a degree in piano performance. She ably entwines music information into her story. Likewise, she tells of the culture of the Yalalag of Oaxaca in the most interesting way so that it adds to the story, not distracts. Her husband is an indigenous Zapotec from the highlands of Oaxaca.
Camille leaves her home in wealthy Montecito to search for her missing piano student, Graciela, who has disappeared 2 weeks before an important concert performance. An uncle says she has gone to Yalalag, Oaxaca, Mexico to be with her ailing mother who also disappeared. Thus begins Camille's adventure to find her and return her to the US in time to perform.
I could relate to this book on two levels. First, I was a student in Mexico for 6 months, then spent 3 months in the rural mountains of Chihuahua with no amenities, no running water or electricity, only an outhouse, kerosene lamps and a small ditch of mountain water. I have traveled throughout Mexico in the succeeding years but never made it to Oaxaca. It has always been on my list. Secondly, my grandmother was trained as a concert pianist. She taught me to learn to love classical music.
c
May 15, 2020
In Lost in Oaxaca, author Jessica Winters Mireles gives us a story that mixes romance, adventure, and an exploration of the human condition with just enough suspense to keep things interesting. More, she weaves these components into a seamless whole and a compelling story.
We initially meet our protagonist, Camille, on a bus in Mexico, but just after our initial meeting, we are treated to the first of many flashbacks exploring her earlier life. This method of telling a story from both ends and the same time is not new, but in Mireles’s hands it doesn’t feel anything but organic.
Mireles is particularly adept at both giving us the essence of a character with comparatively little backstory – we get a sense of who Alejandro is from his very first appearance, for example – and writing truthful dialogue. While I’ve never been to Oaxaca, I’ve spent an extensive amount of time in Baja Sur, on the Pacific side of Mexico, and I really appreciated the way Spanish words and phrases were used to lend authenticity to the characters, without ever seeming like the author was either pandering or creating stereotypes rather than real people.
Overall, Lost in Oaxaca is a gripping story with vivid, dimensional characters whom we care about from the first page.
Goes well with: chicken mole, blue corn tortillas and Bohemia beer.
We initially meet our protagonist, Camille, on a bus in Mexico, but just after our initial meeting, we are treated to the first of many flashbacks exploring her earlier life. This method of telling a story from both ends and the same time is not new, but in Mireles’s hands it doesn’t feel anything but organic.
Mireles is particularly adept at both giving us the essence of a character with comparatively little backstory – we get a sense of who Alejandro is from his very first appearance, for example – and writing truthful dialogue. While I’ve never been to Oaxaca, I’ve spent an extensive amount of time in Baja Sur, on the Pacific side of Mexico, and I really appreciated the way Spanish words and phrases were used to lend authenticity to the characters, without ever seeming like the author was either pandering or creating stereotypes rather than real people.
Overall, Lost in Oaxaca is a gripping story with vivid, dimensional characters whom we care about from the first page.
Goes well with: chicken mole, blue corn tortillas and Bohemia beer.
May 13, 2020
Wow, Lost in Oaxaca is a fantastic debut novel by Jessica Winters Mireles! I absolutely loved reading this book! I really felt like I was right there with Camille, Alejandro and Graciela, and experiencing their lives with them. Jessica's writing is so descriptive and colorful, and her use of music and landscape in the narrative gives a wonderful variety of excellent emotional and visual images. I kept thinking about the main characters all the time, even when I wasn't reading, and couldn't wait to get back to the story. The other supporting characters were also so well described that I fully understood what kind of people they were and how their interactions with the main characters were so important, historically as well as in the present time. I adore books that draw me in so close and make me fall in love with the characters so that I can't stop thinking about them. Lost in Oaxaca is that kind of novel. The story also made me feel how terrifying and scary it is for undocumented people in the USA, and those that are trying to come here for a better life.
I highly recommend reading Lost in Oaxaca, and thank Jessica for sharing this wonderful story, and making me feel such a wide range of emotions. I really look forward to reading more of Jessica's writing.
I highly recommend reading Lost in Oaxaca, and thank Jessica for sharing this wonderful story, and making me feel such a wide range of emotions. I really look forward to reading more of Jessica's writing.
May 18, 2022
A She Writes Press publication, well-written.
The story begins in its middle, in Oaxaca, and fills in earlier details as it moves forward in time, visiting Tijuana, LA and Santa Barbara before concluding in Oaxaca. The story of a piano teacher, Camille, searching for her prize-winning student in Mexico. Graciela, the talented pianist, left without a word.
St. Anthony, patron saint of lost causes, makes numerous appearances; as do village locals; relatives; and Camille's mother. A love story, an undocumented immigration story -- mostly so concidental as to be unbelievable, but it's a story after all.
The story begins in its middle, in Oaxaca, and fills in earlier details as it moves forward in time, visiting Tijuana, LA and Santa Barbara before concluding in Oaxaca. The story of a piano teacher, Camille, searching for her prize-winning student in Mexico. Graciela, the talented pianist, left without a word.
St. Anthony, patron saint of lost causes, makes numerous appearances; as do village locals; relatives; and Camille's mother. A love story, an undocumented immigration story -- mostly so concidental as to be unbelievable, but it's a story after all.
June 25, 2023
I liked this book a lot, especially Alejandro and Camille’s growing relationship throughout the story. As a pianist, I can connect with Camille’s passion and would definitely feel as lost as her without being able to play with both hands, so it was nice to have something to relate with. However, Camille was very self-centered in the beginning of the novel and although I knew that it was part of the plot development I still couldn’t bring myself to let go of my frustration at some of her actions 😅. But it was still a great book, and I liked the bonding between Camille and Alejandro and the action near the end :)
April 20, 2020
Disguised as adventurous love story full of lyrical description transporting you to a small village in Oaxaca, this engaging novel is really about finding and accepting yourself. Sassy Camille and alluring Alejandro dance around each other while dodging cultural, economic and physical barriers. Romantic, suspenseful and sprinkled with subtle humor, this story hits home, highlighting the inequalities in our modern world. A page turner that left me wanting more, the true message of appreciating who you are and what you have, regardless of what it appears externally, shines through the story. I loved it.
May 27, 2020
Camille, a privileged and pretentious LA born woman, sets out on an adventure to find her award winning piano student who abruptly returned to rural Mexico. Along the way Camille meets Alejandro, a Yalalag native who helps her not only find Graciela but also learn who the “true Camille” is. The storyline is one you don’t want to put down, learning about the Zapotec culture, and this roundabout love story. The only downfall is the author overly stereotypes Camille “the privileged white girl” and it’s cringe worthy sometimes when you’re reading and just wish she would’ve kept her mouth shut ;)
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