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The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants
Award-winning author and immigration attorney Orlando Ortega-Medina returns to 1990s San Francisco in The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants, a powerful family drama that plays out within a captivating legal thriller.
Attorney Marc Mendes, the estranged son of a prominent rabbi and a burned-out lawyer with addiction issues, plots his exit from the big city to a more peaceful life in idyllic Napa Valley. But before he can realize his dream, the US government summons his Salvadoran life-partner Isaac Perez to immigration court, threatening him with deportation.
As Marc battles to save Isaac, his world is further upended by a dark and alluring client, who aims to tempt him away from his messy life. Torn between his commitment to Isaac and the pain-numbing escapism offered by his client, Marc is forced to choose between the lesser of two evils while confronting his twin demons of past addiction and guilt over the death of his first lover.
Attorney Marc Mendes, the estranged son of a prominent rabbi and a burned-out lawyer with addiction issues, plots his exit from the big city to a more peaceful life in idyllic Napa Valley. But before he can realize his dream, the US government summons his Salvadoran life-partner Isaac Perez to immigration court, threatening him with deportation.
As Marc battles to save Isaac, his world is further upended by a dark and alluring client, who aims to tempt him away from his messy life. Torn between his commitment to Isaac and the pain-numbing escapism offered by his client, Marc is forced to choose between the lesser of two evils while confronting his twin demons of past addiction and guilt over the death of his first lover.
335 pages, Paperback
First published April 18, 2023
8 people are currently reading
1439 people want to read
About the author
Orlando Ortega-Medina
7 books72 followersOrlando Ortega-Medina is a London-based author and lawyer. His debut collection of short stories, Jerusalem Ablaze (2017), was shortlisted for the UK’s Polari First Book Prize, establishing him as a compelling storyteller. Building on this success, Ortega-Medina has released a series of gripping novels, including The Death of Baseball (2019), The Savior of 6th Street (2020), and The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants (2023), the latter of which was shortlisted for the Polari Book Prize 2024. His latest novel, Emerald Road (2025), is published by Amble Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 24, 2023
It’s been a long time since I gave a book a single star, and only a few times that I’ve done it at all. I respect anyone for writing a book and putting it out there in the world, and dislike myself a little for dumping on their dream. And I didn’t HATE this book, exactly, but found it very wanting. The characters felt facile, first of all, and not very honest and/or bright. You have a smart, successful LAWYER in SAN FRANCISCO whose rabbinical family fled from Syria to Cuba, and then from Cuba to the U.S. - and you have his PARALEGAL b/f, whose family fled El Salvador, but… they never, ever looked into the latter’s asylum and immigration status, or made contingencies?!?!?! Not hiring either of those two guys!
From the author’s bio and acknowledgements, I have a feeling that some, maybe much of the story, is based on various real-life events, so the above is probably way, way too harsh, and apologies if that’s the case; God only knows the amount of things I’d hate to be judged on. But again, I just felt the story and characters were wanting, in sense and depth and interest, and so I found myself skimming most of the book after the halfway point. And the twist and sudden development at the end that some people have talked about didn’t help things, either, in my opinion. (Don’t want to give anything away.)
Thank you to NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my critique.
From the author’s bio and acknowledgements, I have a feeling that some, maybe much of the story, is based on various real-life events, so the above is probably way, way too harsh, and apologies if that’s the case; God only knows the amount of things I’d hate to be judged on. But again, I just felt the story and characters were wanting, in sense and depth and interest, and so I found myself skimming most of the book after the halfway point. And the twist and sudden development at the end that some people have talked about didn’t help things, either, in my opinion. (Don’t want to give anything away.)
Thank you to NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my critique.
February 6, 2023
All in all, an excellent novel with a few twists you don't see coming. 4.5 stars.
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June 23, 2023Review to come
March 28, 2024
All in all, great book with a lot of really powerful themes. Sometimes I felt like there were so many powerful themes going on it was hard to fully go into detail into each, but overall it’s a compelling story of injustice and humanity.
December 18, 2022
For all his good intentions, attorney Marc Mendes can't get anything right. He's at risk of losing his life partner to the US immigration system; he's at risk of crashing his law practice due to ethical conflicts with his business partner; and all the while he's being relentlessly pursued by his personal demons and an obsessed client who refuses to give up. Hemmed in on all sides, he sees no way out.
This is quality stuff. I was impressed by how seamlessly the author weaves together a love story, a legal thriller, and a scathing critique of the US immigration system to maximum effect.
About halfway through this emotion-filled page-turner of a novel, I came across a passage I think perfectly sums up Marc and his several dilemmas:
"I’m struggling with all of this, barely able to tread water. I should be able to handle it. The idea that I can’t kills me. After all, I’ve spent my whole working life helping other people sort out their messes. Why am I still wrestling with my own?”
Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will be recommending it to my friends.
Thank you to the publisher for supplying an ARC via NetGalley.
This is quality stuff. I was impressed by how seamlessly the author weaves together a love story, a legal thriller, and a scathing critique of the US immigration system to maximum effect.
About halfway through this emotion-filled page-turner of a novel, I came across a passage I think perfectly sums up Marc and his several dilemmas:
"I’m struggling with all of this, barely able to tread water. I should be able to handle it. The idea that I can’t kills me. After all, I’ve spent my whole working life helping other people sort out their messes. Why am I still wrestling with my own?”
Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will be recommending it to my friends.
Thank you to the publisher for supplying an ARC via NetGalley.
January 17, 2023
Thank you to the publishers at Amble Press and Smith Publicity for the chance to read the eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants follows Marc Mendes and his partner Isaac through the harrowing process of U.S. immigration court in a time when marriage equality would have prevented this issue in the first place, and also follows the ups and downs of Marc and Isaac’s relationship.
In many ways the novel is trying to do two things at the same time: an incisive courtroom drama that critiques the xenophobia and homophobia built into the U.S.’s immigration system and a smaller domestic drama between two men trying to keep their relationship together in spite of outside pressures. It’s significantly more effective at the former than the latter.
For a book that wants to uphold how flawed systems are, it doesn’t offer much sympathy to its antagonist, Alejandro Silva, as he ends up coming off as a queer Latinx Glenn Close from Fatal Attraction (seriously why was he so obsessed with Marc??). Part of why the domestic drama doesn’t work for me - even to highlight the point that queer couples don’t need to be perfect to deserve rights - is that the novel doesn’t do much to convince me that Isaac and Marc want to be together (Marc clearly has a lot to unpack/heal from that he often can’t be the partner Isaac needs in his time of crisis and Isaac resents the hell out of him for it) or should be together (they spend so much of the novel bickering, manipulating and sometimes even being cruel to each other). I wish the book would have spent more time on how Marc and Isaac fell in love in the first place because it begged the question: why go through all of the courtroom battle for a relationship that isn’t serving either partner?
Some things that I loved were any scene with Marc and his family, especially as he gets a chance to reconnect with them as the novel further explores themes around migration, displacement, and having to leave behind whole lives and loved ones because of forces deeply outside of our control. This novel also features one of my favorite coming-out conversations between a father and son, especially when that father is a religious leader. It’s tender and moved me on so many levels. We need more stories with queer people writing their own narratives, and these conversations between family are the best example of why we need more queer books, especially from queer writers of color.
Overall, I really wanted this book to measure up to its important and necessary criticisms of nation-states and why migration is a human right. Unfortunately, it meanders too much in a not well thought out domestic drama between the two protagonists that ends up taking away from its central message.
The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants follows Marc Mendes and his partner Isaac through the harrowing process of U.S. immigration court in a time when marriage equality would have prevented this issue in the first place, and also follows the ups and downs of Marc and Isaac’s relationship.
In many ways the novel is trying to do two things at the same time: an incisive courtroom drama that critiques the xenophobia and homophobia built into the U.S.’s immigration system and a smaller domestic drama between two men trying to keep their relationship together in spite of outside pressures. It’s significantly more effective at the former than the latter.
For a book that wants to uphold how flawed systems are, it doesn’t offer much sympathy to its antagonist, Alejandro Silva, as he ends up coming off as a queer Latinx Glenn Close from Fatal Attraction (seriously why was he so obsessed with Marc??). Part of why the domestic drama doesn’t work for me - even to highlight the point that queer couples don’t need to be perfect to deserve rights - is that the novel doesn’t do much to convince me that Isaac and Marc want to be together (Marc clearly has a lot to unpack/heal from that he often can’t be the partner Isaac needs in his time of crisis and Isaac resents the hell out of him for it) or should be together (they spend so much of the novel bickering, manipulating and sometimes even being cruel to each other). I wish the book would have spent more time on how Marc and Isaac fell in love in the first place because it begged the question: why go through all of the courtroom battle for a relationship that isn’t serving either partner?
Some things that I loved were any scene with Marc and his family, especially as he gets a chance to reconnect with them as the novel further explores themes around migration, displacement, and having to leave behind whole lives and loved ones because of forces deeply outside of our control. This novel also features one of my favorite coming-out conversations between a father and son, especially when that father is a religious leader. It’s tender and moved me on so many levels. We need more stories with queer people writing their own narratives, and these conversations between family are the best example of why we need more queer books, especially from queer writers of color.
Overall, I really wanted this book to measure up to its important and necessary criticisms of nation-states and why migration is a human right. Unfortunately, it meanders too much in a not well thought out domestic drama between the two protagonists that ends up taking away from its central message.
August 30, 2023
Thank you to the author for gifting me an ARC! I also enjoyed the Audible narration by @geoffreyscheer who brought the story to life!
——
Immigration and LGBTQ+ are two of my favorite topics to read! My interest peaked when I learned it was also partly an immigration courtroom drama and the author is an attorney in real life. I don’t think the general population in the U.S. fully understands that immigration law is vastly different in its procedures compared to a regular courtroom…this book superbly delivered the anxiety, fear and confusion that immigrants face in a deportation trial. I also very much appreciated the realism of how the loved ones have to alter their plans for a future potentially without their immigrant partner, or they leave to another country with the deportee.
This story takes place during a time LGBTQ couples were not recognized under Immigration law by USCIS (United States Citizenship & Immigration Services) which adds to the stress and frustration of the couple in the book; Marc Mendes who is a US citizen and Isaac Perez who is an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, but both who have worked very hard to earn a name for themselves in the city of San Francisco.
I think my most favorite part of the book, however, was the part where the very religious father of Marc Mendes, came to terms with his son coming out. That entire dialogue between father and son and Isaac was exquisite to read.
My only minor issue with the overall story was that there were so many heavy topics packed into a 335 pages book that I felt it should have either been several more pages or it should have been 2 books. I would have liked more focus on Isaac Perez’s past for example, which was barely mentioned in the book. Overall, a very solid story and I look forward to the next book by Mr. Medina.
——
Immigration and LGBTQ+ are two of my favorite topics to read! My interest peaked when I learned it was also partly an immigration courtroom drama and the author is an attorney in real life. I don’t think the general population in the U.S. fully understands that immigration law is vastly different in its procedures compared to a regular courtroom…this book superbly delivered the anxiety, fear and confusion that immigrants face in a deportation trial. I also very much appreciated the realism of how the loved ones have to alter their plans for a future potentially without their immigrant partner, or they leave to another country with the deportee.
This story takes place during a time LGBTQ couples were not recognized under Immigration law by USCIS (United States Citizenship & Immigration Services) which adds to the stress and frustration of the couple in the book; Marc Mendes who is a US citizen and Isaac Perez who is an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, but both who have worked very hard to earn a name for themselves in the city of San Francisco.
I think my most favorite part of the book, however, was the part where the very religious father of Marc Mendes, came to terms with his son coming out. That entire dialogue between father and son and Isaac was exquisite to read.
My only minor issue with the overall story was that there were so many heavy topics packed into a 335 pages book that I felt it should have either been several more pages or it should have been 2 books. I would have liked more focus on Isaac Perez’s past for example, which was barely mentioned in the book. Overall, a very solid story and I look forward to the next book by Mr. Medina.
April 15, 2023
3,5/5
The reading of this book was made possible thanks to Netgalley.
It is end of the 1990s in San Franciso. Marc Mendes is a lawyer with six years of practice as a partner of a Law Firm, most in labor cases. He's a stable longtime relationship with Isaac Perez, a Salvadorean who fled his country at the height of civil war and landed in the USA. Besides that, Marc has to face the fact that there is an upcoming visit to his family with whom he kind of broke relations for years.
Life might not be perfect, but it is good after all, mainly when you have come out clean from drug abuse. And out of nothing, things start getting out of hand when a charming client, an ex-convict, Alejandro Silva enters the picture; besides that, Marc is forced upon a case he doesn't feel fine with, and to make matters worse Isaac receives a bad letter by the immigration office.
To be honest, I sometimes felt that the characters were flat, with the exception of Marc himself and his father, the rabbi, though I have the idea that the story was, in part, based on the author's own life. Though it seemed that the one who so much needed attention was Isaac, for all the struggles he has to go through, it was the very troubled Marc that really caught my attention, it was him who spiced up the narrative. And in some ways, he really spiced it up 😉
As for the writing itself, I enjoyed Ortega-Medina's development of the story, always keeping the reader eager for the next chapter to find out what's in store. I recommend it dearly.
The reading of this book was made possible thanks to Netgalley.
It is end of the 1990s in San Franciso. Marc Mendes is a lawyer with six years of practice as a partner of a Law Firm, most in labor cases. He's a stable longtime relationship with Isaac Perez, a Salvadorean who fled his country at the height of civil war and landed in the USA. Besides that, Marc has to face the fact that there is an upcoming visit to his family with whom he kind of broke relations for years.
Life might not be perfect, but it is good after all, mainly when you have come out clean from drug abuse. And out of nothing, things start getting out of hand when a charming client, an ex-convict, Alejandro Silva enters the picture; besides that, Marc is forced upon a case he doesn't feel fine with, and to make matters worse Isaac receives a bad letter by the immigration office.
To be honest, I sometimes felt that the characters were flat, with the exception of Marc himself and his father, the rabbi, though I have the idea that the story was, in part, based on the author's own life. Though it seemed that the one who so much needed attention was Isaac, for all the struggles he has to go through, it was the very troubled Marc that really caught my attention, it was him who spiced up the narrative. And in some ways, he really spiced it up 😉
As for the writing itself, I enjoyed Ortega-Medina's development of the story, always keeping the reader eager for the next chapter to find out what's in store. I recommend it dearly.
December 26, 2022
Thanks very much to NetGalley and Amble Press for the eARC of this very interesting and unique book.
I was originally drawn to request an ARC of this book because I'm on the hunt for unique legal fiction--something that's more complex and nuanced than your standard "legal thriller." This novel definitely fits the bill.
Marc, the protagonist, having survived addiction and terrible trauma in his past, seems to be doing fairly well when the book opens--he's finally sober and has a successful legal practice (as a partner in a small firm five years out of law school) and a loving partner, Isaac. However, everything begins to fall apart when Isaac, a would-be asylum seeker from El Salvador, receives a notice that he may be deported (the book is set long before marriage equality in the U.S., in the late 1990s); a former client won't leave him alone; and his law partner asks him to work on a new case with some very unsympathetic clients. The writing is great, and the characters absolutely seemed real to me--nobody is 100% good or 100% bad in this book (something that, without giving away any spoilers, is never more apparent than on the last page!).
I also really liked the nuanced and accurate depiction of the various legal matters going on in the book--as a former litigator and current ALJ (though not in immigration law), I found myself highlighting a lot. Even before reading his biography, I could tell that the author was an experienced attorney. However, I don't think you need to have that background to enjoy this book--which is, at its heart, a love story, and a story of healing. Highly recommended.
I was originally drawn to request an ARC of this book because I'm on the hunt for unique legal fiction--something that's more complex and nuanced than your standard "legal thriller." This novel definitely fits the bill.
Marc, the protagonist, having survived addiction and terrible trauma in his past, seems to be doing fairly well when the book opens--he's finally sober and has a successful legal practice (as a partner in a small firm five years out of law school) and a loving partner, Isaac. However, everything begins to fall apart when Isaac, a would-be asylum seeker from El Salvador, receives a notice that he may be deported (the book is set long before marriage equality in the U.S., in the late 1990s); a former client won't leave him alone; and his law partner asks him to work on a new case with some very unsympathetic clients. The writing is great, and the characters absolutely seemed real to me--nobody is 100% good or 100% bad in this book (something that, without giving away any spoilers, is never more apparent than on the last page!).
I also really liked the nuanced and accurate depiction of the various legal matters going on in the book--as a former litigator and current ALJ (though not in immigration law), I found myself highlighting a lot. Even before reading his biography, I could tell that the author was an experienced attorney. However, I don't think you need to have that background to enjoy this book--which is, at its heart, a love story, and a story of healing. Highly recommended.
February 11, 2023
The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants by Orlando Ortega-Medina
I wish I could put into words how beautiful this book is. 🥺 I went in thinking this was going to be just a legal drama with some LGBTQ+ elements but this story is so much more than that.
The main character, Marc, is a successful lawyer in San Francisco who slowly begins to spiral and is at a breaking point where he’ll either pull it together or lose everything. This story takes us through his struggle with addiction and his partner potentially being deported to El Salvador. Both Marc and Isaac’s family have fled their country for different reasons and these life circumstances are so beautifully depicted throughout the story.
Marc’s struggles with his addictions are incredibly raw and we get to see him make some choices that made me want to scream at him through my Kindle. My favorite aspect of this book is Isaac’s struggle with the immigration system in the U.S. It’s a system that’s incredibly flawed and often leaves even the best of individuals with zero options for citizenship or some form of status relief. I work with undocumented immigrants and one of the most frustrating aspects of my job is knowing that many of my clients are going to build beautiful lives here only to eventually be removed from the country they’ve learned to call him. This book captures this struggle so accurately and I’m glad to see this issue being addressed.
This is definitely in my “top 10” list and I’m already looking forward to rereading it.
(Pub Date: 04/18/23)
Thank you to Netgalley and Ample Press / Smith Publicity for the eARC!
I wish I could put into words how beautiful this book is. 🥺 I went in thinking this was going to be just a legal drama with some LGBTQ+ elements but this story is so much more than that.
The main character, Marc, is a successful lawyer in San Francisco who slowly begins to spiral and is at a breaking point where he’ll either pull it together or lose everything. This story takes us through his struggle with addiction and his partner potentially being deported to El Salvador. Both Marc and Isaac’s family have fled their country for different reasons and these life circumstances are so beautifully depicted throughout the story.
Marc’s struggles with his addictions are incredibly raw and we get to see him make some choices that made me want to scream at him through my Kindle. My favorite aspect of this book is Isaac’s struggle with the immigration system in the U.S. It’s a system that’s incredibly flawed and often leaves even the best of individuals with zero options for citizenship or some form of status relief. I work with undocumented immigrants and one of the most frustrating aspects of my job is knowing that many of my clients are going to build beautiful lives here only to eventually be removed from the country they’ve learned to call him. This book captures this struggle so accurately and I’m glad to see this issue being addressed.
This is definitely in my “top 10” list and I’m already looking forward to rereading it.
(Pub Date: 04/18/23)
Thank you to Netgalley and Ample Press / Smith Publicity for the eARC!
December 18, 2022
Ortega-Medina’s story is the most mature queer story I have read in a while. The main characters don’t feel like the perfect heroes, they are written to act like real humans and despite their flaws you want them to achieve their goal and get past the rough time they are going through. The same can’t be said about the villain of the story, he was there to be an evil genius that main goal was to get what he wants at any cost, and not knowing if he is ever telling the truth, Silva comes off feeling shallow compared to the protagonist.
The subjects of immigration, reconnecting with family, overcoming trauma and addiction, death, and of giving the person you love a second chance are all exquisitely explored. It will keep you thinking about how different things were in the 1990s, but regardless of social and political progress many people are still going trough similar situations.
Orland Ortega-Medina nicely wraps up the story with a cherry on top that made made my jaw drop in the last two pages.
Digital ARC provided by NetGalley.
The subjects of immigration, reconnecting with family, overcoming trauma and addiction, death, and of giving the person you love a second chance are all exquisitely explored. It will keep you thinking about how different things were in the 1990s, but regardless of social and political progress many people are still going trough similar situations.
Orland Ortega-Medina nicely wraps up the story with a cherry on top that made made my jaw drop in the last two pages.
Digital ARC provided by NetGalley.
September 8, 2023
Well that was a ride.. I went into this book blind (does this surprise anyone?) so I didn’t really know what to expect but I wasn’t expecting THAT.
SO much happened in this book and every time I thought things were going to die down, they escalated!
This book was boring and entertaining at the same time? I can’t explain it but it’s definitely an interesting read with good writing.
SO much happened in this book and every time I thought things were going to die down, they escalated!
This book was boring and entertaining at the same time? I can’t explain it but it’s definitely an interesting read with good writing.
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April 25, 2023A successful lawyer confronts personal demons while fighting for asylum for his undocumented partner. Set in the 1990s, Ortega-Medina’s latest novel is strong in themes of persecution and forced displacement, from the inherited traumas of Syrian-American Jews to the plight of Central American political refugees seeking harbor in the United States.
Read the rest of my review at Out in Print.
Read the rest of my review at Out in Print.
September 12, 2023
May have to let this one sit in my brain for a bit before I come back around with a full review.
February 1, 2025
I read this as part of the 2025 Polari Prize longlist.
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August 21, 2023I had mixed feelings about The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants.
On one hand - I was incredibly compelled by the story, which I know is semi-autobiographical. Marc's partner Isaac is summoned to immigration court, and the couple have to decide whether to fight the deportation or consider leaving the US. Marc is an attorney dealing with an overwhelming amount of internal turmoil: his past addiction & trauma are threatening to resurface, he’s avoiding reconnecting with his Jewish family (he’s barely discussed his gay identity with them), and he has to take on an ethically-icky case at his firm.
So yes … there are emotionally powerful elements. There are some lovely scenes around familial struggles and being forced out of your home and Jewish traditions.
But the writing is incredibly weak & disjointed. The dialogue feels “off” and things are structurally confusing. Additionally, both Marc and Isaac make baffling decisions that don’t seem to correlate with what we are told about them as people. It was often painful to read and witness them (particularly the protagonist Marc) make mistake after mistake.
I also struggled to see their strengths as a couple; it felt like most interactions were harsh and cold. I needed some more background or flashbacks or grounding scenes in order to root for them as a pair. Instead, I often found myself thinking Isaac should find someone better!
One more note: the phrase “sat Indian-style” was used on pg. 33 of my copy, and it was disappointing to see that offensive and outdated language.
CW: death of parent, murder, addiction, alcoholism, drug use, homophobia, stalking, sexual assault, rape, grief, war, antisemitism, infidelity, hate crime, deportation, gun violence
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(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
On one hand - I was incredibly compelled by the story, which I know is semi-autobiographical. Marc's partner Isaac is summoned to immigration court, and the couple have to decide whether to fight the deportation or consider leaving the US. Marc is an attorney dealing with an overwhelming amount of internal turmoil: his past addiction & trauma are threatening to resurface, he’s avoiding reconnecting with his Jewish family (he’s barely discussed his gay identity with them), and he has to take on an ethically-icky case at his firm.
So yes … there are emotionally powerful elements. There are some lovely scenes around familial struggles and being forced out of your home and Jewish traditions.
But the writing is incredibly weak & disjointed. The dialogue feels “off” and things are structurally confusing. Additionally, both Marc and Isaac make baffling decisions that don’t seem to correlate with what we are told about them as people. It was often painful to read and witness them (particularly the protagonist Marc) make mistake after mistake.
I also struggled to see their strengths as a couple; it felt like most interactions were harsh and cold. I needed some more background or flashbacks or grounding scenes in order to root for them as a pair. Instead, I often found myself thinking Isaac should find someone better!
One more note: the phrase “sat Indian-style” was used on pg. 33 of my copy, and it was disappointing to see that offensive and outdated language.
CW: death of parent, murder, addiction, alcoholism, drug use, homophobia, stalking, sexual assault, rape, grief, war, antisemitism, infidelity, hate crime, deportation, gun violence
Follow me on TikTok for book recommendations!
(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
June 29, 2024
This book was truly ridiculous. Literally why did any of the stuff happen between Alejandro and Marc? It was absolutely wild. Just…everything was so wild and unnecessary. The idea for the story came from the author’s real experience as a gay man in a committed relationship with an asylum seeker, and that part of the story was fine, but the rest was just truly unbelievable.
August 19, 2023
I recently had the pleasure of reading "The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants" by Orlando Ortega-Medina, and I must say, it is a truly remarkable novel. Ortega-Medina's skillful writing and his ability to create well-drawn and compelling characters make this book a standout in the genre.
The story takes place in 1990s San Francisco and follows attorney Marc Mendes, a burned-out lawyer with addiction issues, as he navigates the complexities of immigration law and fights to save his Salvadoran life partner, Isaac Perez, from deportation. The author expertly weaves together a powerful family drama with a captivating legal thriller, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is Ortega-Medina's writing style. His prose is elegant and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the characters and their surroundings. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, adding depth and realism to the story. The author's attention to detail is commendable, as he effortlessly transports the reader to the streets of San Francisco and the idyllic Napa Valley.
The characters in "The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants" are well-drawn and multi-dimensional. Marc Mendes, in particular, is a complex and flawed protagonist who grapples with addiction, guilt, and the challenges of maintaining relationships. The supporting characters are equally compelling, each with their own unique struggles and motivations. Ortega-Medina's ability to create such relatable and believable characters is a testament to his talent as a writer.
The novel also tackles important societal issues, particularly the inhumanity found in immigration law. Ortega-Medina fearlessly explores the complexities of loyalty, love, and the value of family and friendship in the face of adversity. The story is both timely and thought-provoking, shedding light on the cruelties of immigration law while also delving into the personal journeys of the characters.
"The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants" has received well-deserved praise from critics and readers alike. The Los Angeles Times describes it as a potent legal thriller that tackles major personal and societal issues, while Kirkus Reviews calls it an exposé of the cruelties of immigration law and a meditation on family and homeland. Publishers Weekly praises the novel for its heartfelt storytelling, and Bay Area Reporter hails it as a tantalizing morsel filled with romance, seduction, and the politics of immigration.
In conclusion, Orlando Ortega-Medina's "The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants" is a masterfully written novel that captivates readers with its skillful storytelling and well-drawn characters. It is a timely and thought-provoking exploration of immigration law, loyalty, and the power of love. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling and impactful read.
The story takes place in 1990s San Francisco and follows attorney Marc Mendes, a burned-out lawyer with addiction issues, as he navigates the complexities of immigration law and fights to save his Salvadoran life partner, Isaac Perez, from deportation. The author expertly weaves together a powerful family drama with a captivating legal thriller, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is Ortega-Medina's writing style. His prose is elegant and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the characters and their surroundings. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, adding depth and realism to the story. The author's attention to detail is commendable, as he effortlessly transports the reader to the streets of San Francisco and the idyllic Napa Valley.
The characters in "The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants" are well-drawn and multi-dimensional. Marc Mendes, in particular, is a complex and flawed protagonist who grapples with addiction, guilt, and the challenges of maintaining relationships. The supporting characters are equally compelling, each with their own unique struggles and motivations. Ortega-Medina's ability to create such relatable and believable characters is a testament to his talent as a writer.
The novel also tackles important societal issues, particularly the inhumanity found in immigration law. Ortega-Medina fearlessly explores the complexities of loyalty, love, and the value of family and friendship in the face of adversity. The story is both timely and thought-provoking, shedding light on the cruelties of immigration law while also delving into the personal journeys of the characters.
"The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants" has received well-deserved praise from critics and readers alike. The Los Angeles Times describes it as a potent legal thriller that tackles major personal and societal issues, while Kirkus Reviews calls it an exposé of the cruelties of immigration law and a meditation on family and homeland. Publishers Weekly praises the novel for its heartfelt storytelling, and Bay Area Reporter hails it as a tantalizing morsel filled with romance, seduction, and the politics of immigration.
In conclusion, Orlando Ortega-Medina's "The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants" is a masterfully written novel that captivates readers with its skillful storytelling and well-drawn characters. It is a timely and thought-provoking exploration of immigration law, loyalty, and the power of love. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling and impactful read.
June 28, 2024
Real Rating: 3.5* of five
The Publisher Says: Award-winning author and immigration attorney Orlando Ortega-Medina returns to 1990s San Francisco in The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants, a powerful family drama that plays out within a captivating legal thriller.
Attorney Marc Mendes, the estranged son of a prominent rabbi and a burned-out lawyer with addiction issues, plots his exit from the big city to a more peaceful life in idyllic Napa Valley. But before he can realize his dream, the US government summons his Salvadoran life-partner Isaac Perez to immigration court, threatening him with deportation.
As Marc battles to save Isaac, his world is further upended by a dark and alluring client, who aims to tempt him away from his messy life. Torn between his commitment to Isaac and the pain-numbing escapism offered by his client, Marc is forced to choose between the lesser of two evils while confronting his twin demons of past addiction and guilt over the death of his first lover.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Very interesting take on the insanely vicious US immigration system pre-marriage equality. Add in a battle against the monster of addiction and you have quite a ride of a read.
People driven to action by ever more foreclosed options to achieve their goals are the raw meat whose roast-and-veggies we call fiction. Marc's dark past includes substance abuse and a very troubling death. He's haunted by the way his ability to be there for and give help to Isaac is limited by his past.
So far, so good. The story's got lots of material anyone over, say, 25 or 30 will relate to. What keeps a fifth star off my rating is the sheer idiocy of a lawyer not knowing for sure and certain his own intimate partner's immigration status! He wasn't born in the US, and you never asked? "Honeybunch, let's get you a bank account, so whip out the green card." This is lax in the extreme and no lawyer I've ever known would just not think to check on this even if not formally.
While I had fun reading the book I was never swept into the story. It is all down to me being picky about the thinking-through of characters' reasonable actions and responses.
The Publisher Says: Award-winning author and immigration attorney Orlando Ortega-Medina returns to 1990s San Francisco in The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants, a powerful family drama that plays out within a captivating legal thriller.
Attorney Marc Mendes, the estranged son of a prominent rabbi and a burned-out lawyer with addiction issues, plots his exit from the big city to a more peaceful life in idyllic Napa Valley. But before he can realize his dream, the US government summons his Salvadoran life-partner Isaac Perez to immigration court, threatening him with deportation.
As Marc battles to save Isaac, his world is further upended by a dark and alluring client, who aims to tempt him away from his messy life. Torn between his commitment to Isaac and the pain-numbing escapism offered by his client, Marc is forced to choose between the lesser of two evils while confronting his twin demons of past addiction and guilt over the death of his first lover.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Very interesting take on the insanely vicious US immigration system pre-marriage equality. Add in a battle against the monster of addiction and you have quite a ride of a read.
People driven to action by ever more foreclosed options to achieve their goals are the raw meat whose roast-and-veggies we call fiction. Marc's dark past includes substance abuse and a very troubling death. He's haunted by the way his ability to be there for and give help to Isaac is limited by his past.
So far, so good. The story's got lots of material anyone over, say, 25 or 30 will relate to. What keeps a fifth star off my rating is the sheer idiocy of a lawyer not knowing for sure and certain his own intimate partner's immigration status! He wasn't born in the US, and you never asked? "Honeybunch, let's get you a bank account, so whip out the green card." This is lax in the extreme and no lawyer I've ever known would just not think to check on this even if not formally.
While I had fun reading the book I was never swept into the story. It is all down to me being picky about the thinking-through of characters' reasonable actions and responses.
April 26, 2023
Dancing between feeling that it's okay and liking it.
I love the legal drama that came within this story. That it felt authentic, if over-the-top with objections and legal paperwork at times. And the heavy implications that came with it. That this is a story that we're often not told in North America, that not even merits and charitable acts can fully protect the one facing deportation from the law. Phoebe is a lifesaver for my personal investment to the overtasking efforts it takes to go to trial.
I love narratives with flawed characters and struggling toxic relationships. Which is featured heavily throughout this book. Especially with the queer relationships in this one. Usually those are the appeals for seeing them grow (or crash and burn into tragedy).
What dragged me down was that the major players aren't growing much past their initial introductions. Marc and Isaac are introduced as tense (sometimes vindictive) nervous wrecks, and Silva is a manipulative sleaze from the start. And... they kinda stay that way all throughout the story. Yes, Marc and Isaac are more open to being vulnerable with one another. They attempt to protect their bond, and their relationship is on loose ground from the start. Writing their toxic devotion to mirror the trials of love left a bitter taste in my mouth. I suppose that is the build up for the ending chapters, but I was feeling off even before that.
I can still enjoy a narrative like that, yet I worry that the real world message of tolerance, compassion, and acceptance for migrants is marred by it too. Basically, it's not helping the sincerity of its cause much.
The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants has a rocky start where I think the plot doesn't really gain traction until about the midway point. Very adult read, for better or worse. I'm glad that Ortega-Medina invoked emotion from me after reading this one. Even if I'm having mixed feelings about it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love the legal drama that came within this story. That it felt authentic, if over-the-top with objections and legal paperwork at times. And the heavy implications that came with it. That this is a story that we're often not told in North America, that not even merits and charitable acts can fully protect the one facing deportation from the law. Phoebe is a lifesaver for my personal investment to the overtasking efforts it takes to go to trial.
I love narratives with flawed characters and struggling toxic relationships. Which is featured heavily throughout this book. Especially with the queer relationships in this one. Usually those are the appeals for seeing them grow (or crash and burn into tragedy).
What dragged me down was that the major players aren't growing much past their initial introductions. Marc and Isaac are introduced as tense (sometimes vindictive) nervous wrecks, and Silva is a manipulative sleaze from the start. And... they kinda stay that way all throughout the story. Yes, Marc and Isaac are more open to being vulnerable with one another. They attempt to protect their bond, and their relationship is on loose ground from the start. Writing their toxic devotion to mirror the trials of love left a bitter taste in my mouth. I suppose that is the build up for the ending chapters, but I was feeling off even before that.
I can still enjoy a narrative like that, yet I worry that the real world message of tolerance, compassion, and acceptance for migrants is marred by it too. Basically, it's not helping the sincerity of its cause much.
The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants has a rocky start where I think the plot doesn't really gain traction until about the midway point. Very adult read, for better or worse. I'm glad that Ortega-Medina invoked emotion from me after reading this one. Even if I'm having mixed feelings about it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 11, 2023
Former addict, Marc Perez feels like his life is spiraling out of control, and at thirty-six knows that this is definitely not how it should be. Instead, he should be married with kids, thriving as a professional in the workplace, and as a doting husband and father to his family at home. There is just one problem with that scenario: The law in the United States states that same-sex marriage is prohibited. And his life partner of six years is facing deportation. To make matters worse, he has caught the unsolicited attention of a former client at his law firm. One who, to his dismay, is becoming extremely obsessive and delusional. Marc finds himself caving under the pressure. Desperate for a solution to his problems, he considers his options… Will he succumb to his inner demons or will he finally find his true self and be the man that he has always wanted to be?
What I was expecting to be a twisty psychological thriller was instead a beautifully-written and interesting novel loosely based on the author, Orlando Ortega-Medina’s own life experiences regarding immigration and its laws which, granted, is included in the synopsis but secondary to it being a psychological thriller. I was disappointed at first but as I continued reading, I found myself enjoying the themes of love and acceptance and what it means to value each person as an individual irrespective of his race, culture, religion, or sexuality. I also admired the protagonist Marc’s self-assuredness concerning his sexual preference, especially in the ’90s when such things were taboo. What I learned about the law of immigration was interesting too, and it has given me a lot to think about.
The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants is a truly fitting title for this novel; it is not something I will easily forget.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What I was expecting to be a twisty psychological thriller was instead a beautifully-written and interesting novel loosely based on the author, Orlando Ortega-Medina’s own life experiences regarding immigration and its laws which, granted, is included in the synopsis but secondary to it being a psychological thriller. I was disappointed at first but as I continued reading, I found myself enjoying the themes of love and acceptance and what it means to value each person as an individual irrespective of his race, culture, religion, or sexuality. I also admired the protagonist Marc’s self-assuredness concerning his sexual preference, especially in the ’90s when such things were taboo. What I learned about the law of immigration was interesting too, and it has given me a lot to think about.
The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants is a truly fitting title for this novel; it is not something I will easily forget.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 15, 2023
A search for love and meaning in an unjust world - A legal thriller
California born, London based author Orlando Ortega Medina earned his degree in English Literature from UCLA and his Juris Doctor from Southwestern University School of Law, now practicing US immigration law in London, and has published four books to date - JERUSALEM ABLAZE (a short story collection), THE DEATH OF BASEBALL, THE SAVIOR OF 6TH STREET, and now THE FITFUL SLEEP OF IMMIGRANTS - a memoir-like story inspired by the events that forced Medina and his partner to emigrate from the US because of marriage inequality.
Medina’s powerful writing provides not only a deeply moving examination of love challenged by homophobia, but also an insightful response to the state of immigration legalities, religious heritage, family responses to gender differences, and many other sociological issues. The outline of the novel’s story suggests these factors: ‘Attorney Marc Mendes, the estranged son of a prominent Rabbi and a burned-out lawyer with addiction issues, plots his exit from the big city to a more peaceful life in idyllic Napa Valley. But before realizing his dream, the US government summons his Salvadoran life partner Isaac Perez to immigration court, threatening him with deportation. As Marc battles to save Isaac, his world is further upended by a dark and alluring client who aims to tempt him away from his messy life. Torn between his commitment to Isaac and the pain-numbing escapism offered by his client, Marc is forced to choose between the lesser of two evils while confronting his twin demons of past addiction and guilt over the death of his first lover.’
Rarely has an author integrated a love story with threatening challenges as well as Orlando Ortega Medina. Very highly recommended as a fine novel and a platform for social and legal change. Highly recommended.
California born, London based author Orlando Ortega Medina earned his degree in English Literature from UCLA and his Juris Doctor from Southwestern University School of Law, now practicing US immigration law in London, and has published four books to date - JERUSALEM ABLAZE (a short story collection), THE DEATH OF BASEBALL, THE SAVIOR OF 6TH STREET, and now THE FITFUL SLEEP OF IMMIGRANTS - a memoir-like story inspired by the events that forced Medina and his partner to emigrate from the US because of marriage inequality.
Medina’s powerful writing provides not only a deeply moving examination of love challenged by homophobia, but also an insightful response to the state of immigration legalities, religious heritage, family responses to gender differences, and many other sociological issues. The outline of the novel’s story suggests these factors: ‘Attorney Marc Mendes, the estranged son of a prominent Rabbi and a burned-out lawyer with addiction issues, plots his exit from the big city to a more peaceful life in idyllic Napa Valley. But before realizing his dream, the US government summons his Salvadoran life partner Isaac Perez to immigration court, threatening him with deportation. As Marc battles to save Isaac, his world is further upended by a dark and alluring client who aims to tempt him away from his messy life. Torn between his commitment to Isaac and the pain-numbing escapism offered by his client, Marc is forced to choose between the lesser of two evils while confronting his twin demons of past addiction and guilt over the death of his first lover.’
Rarely has an author integrated a love story with threatening challenges as well as Orlando Ortega Medina. Very highly recommended as a fine novel and a platform for social and legal change. Highly recommended.
January 15, 2023
#TheFitfulSleepofImmigrants #NetGalley
5/5
Where to even begin with this wonderful novel. I finished this novel early in the morning, and as I laid in bed with my hand gripped to my kindle tapping the screen to keep turning the page I couldn't help but feel the emotions that both Marc and Issac our main characters. This novel shifted from what I thought it was going to be in the beginning to something completely more heartfelt. The struggle of being an immigrant that came into the United states illegally. But not only does Issac have to worry about being deported back to his home country where most of family was killed; Marc, our other main character, goes through his own battles. Self inflicted, at times selfish and tests the loyalty of his life partner Issac.
Just before the halfway mark, Marc decides to introduce Issac to his parents. Which caused a whole bunch of stress to Marc because of his father and his fathers title. To Marc's surprise, his father was okay with his son being gay, and was glad to have him back. For six years Marc hadn't visited his parents, who were living in the same state as him, but hours away. After a brief period of awkwardness, his father let loose and welcomed Issac into the family and for the remaining of the book, Marc's parents were keen on making sure Issac feel like family.
The short period they were together at Marc's parents house, Issac got a call that altered his mood for a quarter of the novel, which leads us on a journey that I couldn't help but fall deep with. Through the late nights I was awake with a newborn, I couldn't help but keep this book on the bed with me. And every chance I got, I was reading it. By far, this has been a great start to the 2023 reading year.
5/5
Where to even begin with this wonderful novel. I finished this novel early in the morning, and as I laid in bed with my hand gripped to my kindle tapping the screen to keep turning the page I couldn't help but feel the emotions that both Marc and Issac our main characters. This novel shifted from what I thought it was going to be in the beginning to something completely more heartfelt. The struggle of being an immigrant that came into the United states illegally. But not only does Issac have to worry about being deported back to his home country where most of family was killed; Marc, our other main character, goes through his own battles. Self inflicted, at times selfish and tests the loyalty of his life partner Issac.
Just before the halfway mark, Marc decides to introduce Issac to his parents. Which caused a whole bunch of stress to Marc because of his father and his fathers title. To Marc's surprise, his father was okay with his son being gay, and was glad to have him back. For six years Marc hadn't visited his parents, who were living in the same state as him, but hours away. After a brief period of awkwardness, his father let loose and welcomed Issac into the family and for the remaining of the book, Marc's parents were keen on making sure Issac feel like family.
The short period they were together at Marc's parents house, Issac got a call that altered his mood for a quarter of the novel, which leads us on a journey that I couldn't help but fall deep with. Through the late nights I was awake with a newborn, I couldn't help but keep this book on the bed with me. And every chance I got, I was reading it. By far, this has been a great start to the 2023 reading year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
This is a complex tale that is very nuanced. Orlando Ortega-Medina's writing is very luxurious - that's the best way I can describe it. There are stories woven together in this novel that seem very different but all tangle together as the story progresses.
Attorney, Marc is a recovering addict, an out gay man who was estranged from his family. He comes from a rabbinical family and was terrified to tell his father that he was gay. Although he might seem like he has it together on the outside, Marc is struggling to maintain his sobriety, incorporating his partner into his family, facing his partner's potential deportation, and having a very strained relationship at work. His partner Isaac is seeking asylum in the US while struggling to deal with the loss of his mother.
Enter Alejandro into the equation. He is a very archetypal Homme fatal, living with the truth lurking around every corner while covered by vague lies. He lures Marc back towards the world he is trying to keep behind him, challenging his boundaries and pushing his buttons. As the novel progresses, Alejandro becomes more and more obsessive and begins to tear down everything Isaac and Marc have built and everything they are hoping for.
While Alejandro was necessary for the plot, I found myself having a bit of trouble suspending my disbelief. He seemed to focus on Marc so quickly and really, without reason. It's a minor issue though - and he was certainly an unsettling character.
There are some twists in this novel...and a whopper at the end that I absolutely didn't see coming... it's definitely entertaining. I think I went into this expecting that it wouldn't be nearly as engaging and mysterious as it was. It was a pleasant surprise to find such a convoluted plot.
Attorney, Marc is a recovering addict, an out gay man who was estranged from his family. He comes from a rabbinical family and was terrified to tell his father that he was gay. Although he might seem like he has it together on the outside, Marc is struggling to maintain his sobriety, incorporating his partner into his family, facing his partner's potential deportation, and having a very strained relationship at work. His partner Isaac is seeking asylum in the US while struggling to deal with the loss of his mother.
Enter Alejandro into the equation. He is a very archetypal Homme fatal, living with the truth lurking around every corner while covered by vague lies. He lures Marc back towards the world he is trying to keep behind him, challenging his boundaries and pushing his buttons. As the novel progresses, Alejandro becomes more and more obsessive and begins to tear down everything Isaac and Marc have built and everything they are hoping for.
While Alejandro was necessary for the plot, I found myself having a bit of trouble suspending my disbelief. He seemed to focus on Marc so quickly and really, without reason. It's a minor issue though - and he was certainly an unsettling character.
There are some twists in this novel...and a whopper at the end that I absolutely didn't see coming... it's definitely entertaining. I think I went into this expecting that it wouldn't be nearly as engaging and mysterious as it was. It was a pleasant surprise to find such a convoluted plot.
August 10, 2023
Maybe it's having read so much Armistead Maupin, but I'm an absolute sucker for character-driven LGBTQ+ stories set in San Francisco. And I've never even been to San Francisco! Even so, I was excited to read Orlando Ortega-Medina's newest work, which centres around lawyer Marc Mendes and his partner Isaac as the latter faces deportation to El Salvador.
Despite being a writer myself, I'm generally a pretty slow reader – but I absolutely burned my way through The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants, being practically unable to put it down until the very last page (and even then I read the acknowledgements). Ortega-Medina has filled the novel with character revelations, plot twists, and well-informed legal drama, which all combine to keep luring you on to the next chapter.
Highlights of the book were Phoebe, Isaac's immigration lawyer and entertaining eccentric, alongside Marc's wise and fascinating Rabbi father. The characters are vividly brought to life, and leave plenty of room for interpretation – personally, I really didn't like Isaac! I felt he was an extremely self-centred and cruel individual, but it did nothing to harm my enjoyment of the story overall (particularly as he was realistically and convincingly portrayed). Maybe I've just had too many Isaacs in my life!
This is an excellent story and one I thoroughly recommend. In particular I'd suggest getting the print version, if only because I loved the gorgeous cover art.
Despite being a writer myself, I'm generally a pretty slow reader – but I absolutely burned my way through The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants, being practically unable to put it down until the very last page (and even then I read the acknowledgements). Ortega-Medina has filled the novel with character revelations, plot twists, and well-informed legal drama, which all combine to keep luring you on to the next chapter.
Highlights of the book were Phoebe, Isaac's immigration lawyer and entertaining eccentric, alongside Marc's wise and fascinating Rabbi father. The characters are vividly brought to life, and leave plenty of room for interpretation – personally, I really didn't like Isaac! I felt he was an extremely self-centred and cruel individual, but it did nothing to harm my enjoyment of the story overall (particularly as he was realistically and convincingly portrayed). Maybe I've just had too many Isaacs in my life!
This is an excellent story and one I thoroughly recommend. In particular I'd suggest getting the print version, if only because I loved the gorgeous cover art.
August 14, 2023
A personal tale of queerness in 90s San Fran.
As someone who's been dealing with my mother's immigration status from El Salvador for several years now, a lot of the anxieties and feelings presented in this book felt super familiar.
They are the best parts of the book and I wish we could have had more of a POV on Isaac's experience.
The book combines this in parallel with the story of a traumatic incident and a manipulative hustler that contains also many elements of more negative queer experiences. The two worlds don't always mesh the best together and often it feels like one side of the story is distracting from the other.
But it ends up smoothing out towards the end.
I loved the exploration of LAW and what it means to a society with how they're placed and enforced, while we don't get a lot of it there's enough that I enjoyed.
Quite enjoyed this one and got through it rather quickly.
As someone who's been dealing with my mother's immigration status from El Salvador for several years now, a lot of the anxieties and feelings presented in this book felt super familiar.
They are the best parts of the book and I wish we could have had more of a POV on Isaac's experience.
The book combines this in parallel with the story of a traumatic incident and a manipulative hustler that contains also many elements of more negative queer experiences. The two worlds don't always mesh the best together and often it feels like one side of the story is distracting from the other.
But it ends up smoothing out towards the end.
I loved the exploration of LAW and what it means to a society with how they're placed and enforced, while we don't get a lot of it there's enough that I enjoyed.
Quite enjoyed this one and got through it rather quickly.
August 23, 2024
The setting of this book, 1990s San Francisco, firstly serves as a reminder that equal marriage rights enjoyed today in the U.S.A. may feel evident but were alien to the law not so long ago. It provides just one aspect of what it was like before and a reminder of what is at stake and worthy of preservation. Still, the three main characters' stories transcend their time — their struggles continue to be part and parcel of LGBTQ+ culture. Immigrant. Gay. Jewish. Lawyer. Although some elements of the story may seem far-fetched, I suspect readers whose life experiences overlap with at least one or more of these identities will understand and appreciate its extraordinary qualities the most. That is not to say that direct experience means there is no fault to find with the plot or characters. Yet, those rough edges are less likely to appear superfluously fabricated than opportunities for exploring self-criticism, growth, and reflection.
March 30, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Amble Press for access to this e-ARC!
The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants was a story about love and manipulation. The writing itself was very digestible and played out like a movie while reading it; however, there were many periods in the book where I wished there was more depth provided for Marc and Isaac. For every powerful moment in the book, there was an equally weak section, and these often arose when we were told why Marc and Isaac should stay together as opposed to showing us why they should.
That being said, this book was incredibly easy to read. Even when I was confused about characters motivations, I still wanted to continue to find out how the events would play out. Overall, the novel is an interesting read, and you can clearly see Orlando Ortega-Medina's knowledge of law.
The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants was a story about love and manipulation. The writing itself was very digestible and played out like a movie while reading it; however, there were many periods in the book where I wished there was more depth provided for Marc and Isaac. For every powerful moment in the book, there was an equally weak section, and these often arose when we were told why Marc and Isaac should stay together as opposed to showing us why they should.
That being said, this book was incredibly easy to read. Even when I was confused about characters motivations, I still wanted to continue to find out how the events would play out. Overall, the novel is an interesting read, and you can clearly see Orlando Ortega-Medina's knowledge of law.
July 22, 2024
2.5 For Me
Spoiler review****
I was really intrigued by the concept of this story: a gay couple in the 90s having their world rocked by the fact that one of them was being deported. I even thought the complexity of Marc struggling with his addiction and the stress of the deportation adding to that was genius!
But the Alejandro storyline felt so forced and also kind of distracting. Every time he showed up he was somehow THE perfect foil for why Marc couldn’t do right or why Isaac’s deportation case was going wrong.
I felt like, since it was established in the beginning that Marc and Isaac had a hot and cold relationship, that Alejandro didn’t need to be such a pivotal character. Marc could have just struggled with infidelity and hid his life from Alejandro without this ex-felon, stalker side plot.
Spoiler review****
I was really intrigued by the concept of this story: a gay couple in the 90s having their world rocked by the fact that one of them was being deported. I even thought the complexity of Marc struggling with his addiction and the stress of the deportation adding to that was genius!
But the Alejandro storyline felt so forced and also kind of distracting. Every time he showed up he was somehow THE perfect foil for why Marc couldn’t do right or why Isaac’s deportation case was going wrong.
I felt like, since it was established in the beginning that Marc and Isaac had a hot and cold relationship, that Alejandro didn’t need to be such a pivotal character. Marc could have just struggled with infidelity and hid his life from Alejandro without this ex-felon, stalker side plot.
January 30, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy.
This novel includes an engaging courtroom drama and a thought-provoking theme of having to uproot one’s life to escape persecution. Unfortunately, these things support only a small part of the book. Most of the book concerns the interactions among characters who are not fleshed out and who often do things for no discernible reason except the demands of the plot. In particular, the author never shows what holds Marc and Isaac together as a couple but merely tells the reader that they are. They spend the novel fighting to preserve a relationship that seems to be doing neither of them any good. The ending seems heavy-handed and moralizing.
This novel includes an engaging courtroom drama and a thought-provoking theme of having to uproot one’s life to escape persecution. Unfortunately, these things support only a small part of the book. Most of the book concerns the interactions among characters who are not fleshed out and who often do things for no discernible reason except the demands of the plot. In particular, the author never shows what holds Marc and Isaac together as a couple but merely tells the reader that they are. They spend the novel fighting to preserve a relationship that seems to be doing neither of them any good. The ending seems heavy-handed and moralizing.
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