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Sunstruck
Book by Calvani, Mayra
236 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2009
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3 people want to read
About the author
Mayra Calvani
27 books201 followersMayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal, Multicultural Review, and Bloomsbury Review, among many others. When she’s not writing, reading, editing or reviewing, she enjoys walking her dog, traveling, and spending time with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 9, 2012
Daniella has always done her best to make the most of the life she's lived. She's dealt with her father leaving at an early age and an ex-husband who blames her for his past failures. Her mother seems to think that there's something more meaningful waiting for her out there, but only if she allows herself to see it. Unfortunately, she's not willing to live by someone else's rules other than her own.
Immersed within her architecture studies, Daniella yearns for a life where she doesn't have to wait hand and foot on men who seem to think she's some sort of doormat. Her most meaningful relationship has been with her cat, Commando, but she knows he doesn't really count. Her boyfriend, Tony, seems to be immersed within his own little world, looking forward to his paintings whenever possible. At times, she swears off men and tells herself that she'll eventually do something about the situations she now finds herself in. Yet as the days go by, nothing changes and she finds herself back at square one.
Her ex-husband soon introduces her to his new wife at a soiree one day, causing her to contemplate as to what the man actually sees in her. She's old and scrawny and she reminds her of the female version of Dracula. Then there's the fact that there's an odd smell about her, one Daniella can't quite place.
When Tony garners an unexpected success, Daniella realizes just how different things are between them. His passion is his art and he doesn't really take any notice of her. Deep inside, she yearns to have him show her a little more affection than he's shown her in the past. Yet as he immerses himself within his ultimate passion, she knows it's the one thing that will never happen.
Daniella begins to spend more time with her mother and her best friend, Mari Carmen. Both women are unique in their own ways and offer her the support she needs, here and there. Yet when things start taking a sordid turn on the island of Puerto Rico with someone cavorting about as the masked Zorro and an entire forest's mushroom's disappearing out of the blue, she begins to wonder just what's going on. At times, she feels like she's loosing her mind and she'll do anything to gain the clarity within her life she's definitely lacking. The question is, how can she do just that when her entire life is stuck within an abyss of her own making?
This quite an intriguing. At times, there were parts of it that confused me since I felt that it took a bit for the story to really come together. Most of it, at the beginning, was spent in helping us learn more about the characters and the world's they lived in. This is is fine and dandy, but I felt that too much precedence was taken in doing so. The story definitely takes flight mid-way where we learn more of the elusive Zorro and Ismael's double-dealings. This book, while a little strange, is entertaining and certainly worth a read.
Immersed within her architecture studies, Daniella yearns for a life where she doesn't have to wait hand and foot on men who seem to think she's some sort of doormat. Her most meaningful relationship has been with her cat, Commando, but she knows he doesn't really count. Her boyfriend, Tony, seems to be immersed within his own little world, looking forward to his paintings whenever possible. At times, she swears off men and tells herself that she'll eventually do something about the situations she now finds herself in. Yet as the days go by, nothing changes and she finds herself back at square one.
Her ex-husband soon introduces her to his new wife at a soiree one day, causing her to contemplate as to what the man actually sees in her. She's old and scrawny and she reminds her of the female version of Dracula. Then there's the fact that there's an odd smell about her, one Daniella can't quite place.
When Tony garners an unexpected success, Daniella realizes just how different things are between them. His passion is his art and he doesn't really take any notice of her. Deep inside, she yearns to have him show her a little more affection than he's shown her in the past. Yet as he immerses himself within his ultimate passion, she knows it's the one thing that will never happen.
Daniella begins to spend more time with her mother and her best friend, Mari Carmen. Both women are unique in their own ways and offer her the support she needs, here and there. Yet when things start taking a sordid turn on the island of Puerto Rico with someone cavorting about as the masked Zorro and an entire forest's mushroom's disappearing out of the blue, she begins to wonder just what's going on. At times, she feels like she's loosing her mind and she'll do anything to gain the clarity within her life she's definitely lacking. The question is, how can she do just that when her entire life is stuck within an abyss of her own making?
This quite an intriguing. At times, there were parts of it that confused me since I felt that it took a bit for the story to really come together. Most of it, at the beginning, was spent in helping us learn more about the characters and the world's they lived in. This is is fine and dandy, but I felt that too much precedence was taken in doing so. The story definitely takes flight mid-way where we learn more of the elusive Zorro and Ismael's double-dealings. This book, while a little strange, is entertaining and certainly worth a read.
August 12, 2012
Review: First off: the cover--confusing but alluring, like a painting you can't take your eyes off of.
Then we get into the story. Daniella is a college student--nice, friendly, normal. I wonder why she was hanging out with such weird (and crazy) people, like her art critic ex-husband and his gothic, witch-like wife or her dope-smoking, live-in boyfriend that hates her cat. Was she lost or confused or something?
At times, I felt Daniella had no mind of her own. She says she wants to be "free of men" but yet she does nothing about it. Did she have "daddy issues?" Maybe it would've added more to the story if we had learned more about Daniella's absent father figure.
The whole story has many different points of view, but it is mainly told from the eyes of Daniella--a pro in my column, because I know who is the "star." I am always concerned with multi-POVs because there is usually a lack of focus; but this book didn't have that issue.
Another character I found interesting was Zorro, the crazy psycho who makes his mark with a huge "Z" on womens' bare ass. Very funny!
With Zorro suddenly in the mix, it made me question on whether this was a thriller or a mystery? Was the objective to catch Zorro and bring him to justice?
I thought the whole animal hotel from Ismael, Daniella's ex, was of little interest to me. At times, I didn't even read the whole paragraph on it. But don't be fooled! As you approach the end, strange mysteries--dark and gory--spring out of nowhere and you can't wait to unravel them all. Is Ismael a mushroom dealer? Is "Lady Dracula" a real vampire? The end will leave you shocked.
The writing was very well-crafted with words so raw, so dark and putrid, and yet so unrequitedly beautiful.
My favorite quote is: "If [Daniella] could choose a place to die, she would choose a bookstore, a coffin made of hardcover mystery books." (pg. 113) From here, it goes on listing the many different books out there--intelligent, boring, insightful, disgusting, maddening, books that will help you accomplish something in less that 7 days, etc.
[This review was originally posted on Livin' la vida Latina]
Then we get into the story. Daniella is a college student--nice, friendly, normal. I wonder why she was hanging out with such weird (and crazy) people, like her art critic ex-husband and his gothic, witch-like wife or her dope-smoking, live-in boyfriend that hates her cat. Was she lost or confused or something?
At times, I felt Daniella had no mind of her own. She says she wants to be "free of men" but yet she does nothing about it. Did she have "daddy issues?" Maybe it would've added more to the story if we had learned more about Daniella's absent father figure.
The whole story has many different points of view, but it is mainly told from the eyes of Daniella--a pro in my column, because I know who is the "star." I am always concerned with multi-POVs because there is usually a lack of focus; but this book didn't have that issue.
Another character I found interesting was Zorro, the crazy psycho who makes his mark with a huge "Z" on womens' bare ass. Very funny!
With Zorro suddenly in the mix, it made me question on whether this was a thriller or a mystery? Was the objective to catch Zorro and bring him to justice?
I thought the whole animal hotel from Ismael, Daniella's ex, was of little interest to me. At times, I didn't even read the whole paragraph on it. But don't be fooled! As you approach the end, strange mysteries--dark and gory--spring out of nowhere and you can't wait to unravel them all. Is Ismael a mushroom dealer? Is "Lady Dracula" a real vampire? The end will leave you shocked.
The writing was very well-crafted with words so raw, so dark and putrid, and yet so unrequitedly beautiful.
My favorite quote is: "If [Daniella] could choose a place to die, she would choose a bookstore, a coffin made of hardcover mystery books." (pg. 113) From here, it goes on listing the many different books out there--intelligent, boring, insightful, disgusting, maddening, books that will help you accomplish something in less that 7 days, etc.
[This review was originally posted on Livin' la vida Latina]
September 2, 2012
Daniella is an architecture graduate whose life seem to be taking wierd turns off late around her.. .Her ex-husband has married a rich old lady, Irene whom Daniella refers to 'Lady Dracula' , she has few strange behaviour like she collects crime instruments, her house is a standing museum of it, she applies frog's blood to keep up her youth....Tony is a struggling artist and Daniella's current boy-friend, Daniella has a strange equation with him , yet they share cute moments...Daniella's best friend is in love with a priest, her lovely cat Commmando acts more like a menacing human than an animal with Tony who only hates, but with Daniella he is all sweetly wrapped in cuteness..Top it all there is Zorro man who leaves a mark on woman's body... The novel is with all its twists here and there, few engrossing and some wierdly amusing characters wrapped up in with good humour and wit..Suspense goes very well with all its whimsical substances scattered all through and at the very end of the novel everything fits in perfectly...In spite of the strangeness Daniella's bond with her mother Marcela is normal and enduring, Marcela often renders a shoulder to lean on, a hand to lead through her daughter's difficult times, encouraging her time and again with all love and tenderness...Nothing in the novel seems the way they are, there are always too many insights to each of them and that is the best treatment to the character and the plot...Calvani has a done a fantastic job giving us a beautiful picture of all the plots, even when its about the characters some interesting moments around them are parallely provided keeping the reader lively, deeply in touch with the novel...Even when Calvini gives minimal description, it brings out a great snapshot of the places and characters...I also liked the way Calvini gives an insights to the troubled minds of the characters..Calvini's Sunstruck is like those famous painting in a museum that looks very plain at the outset but if you look at it closely , it reveals folds of expressions with it..It was a very different read for me, strange, witty, bizzare , savvy,dazzling , with some sphinx like aura...
December 18, 2012
Reviewed by: Sandra L
Review: First off: the cover--confusing but alluring, like a painting you can't take your eyes off of.
Then we get into the story. Daniella is a college student--nice, friendly, normal. I wonder why she was hanging out with such weird (and crazy) people, like her art critic ex-husband and his gothic, witch-like wife or her dope-smoking, live-in boyfriend that hates her cat. Was she lost or confused or something?
At times, I felt Daniella had no mind of her own. She says she wants to be "free of men" but yet she does nothing about it. Did she have "daddy issues?" Maybe it would've added more to the story if we had learned more about Daniella's absent father figure.
The whole story has many different points of view, but it is mainly told from the eyes of Daniella--a pro in my column, because I know who is the "star." I am always concerned with multi-POVs because there is usually a lack of focus; but this book didn't have that issue.
Another character I found interesting was Zorro, the crazy psycho who makes his mark with a huge "Z" on womens' bare ass. Very funny!
With Zorro suddenly in the mix, it made me question on whether this was a thriller or a mystery? Was the objective to catch Zorro and bring him to justice?
I thought the whole animal hotel from Ismael, Daniella's ex, was of little interest to me. At times, I didn't even read the whole paragraph on it. But don't be fooled! As you approach the end, strange mysteries--dark and gory--spring out of nowhere and you can't wait to unravel them all. Is Ismael a mushroom dealer? Is "Lady Dracula" a real vampire? The end will leave you shocked.
The writing was very well-crafted with words so raw, so dark and putrid, and yet so unrequitedly beautiful.
My favorite quote is: "If [Daniella] could choose a place to die, she would choose a bookstore, a coffin made of hardcover mystery books." (pg. 113) From here, it goes on listing the many different books out there--intelligent, boring, insightful, disgusting, maddening, books that will help you accomplish something in less that 7 days, etc. ”
Review: First off: the cover--confusing but alluring, like a painting you can't take your eyes off of.
Then we get into the story. Daniella is a college student--nice, friendly, normal. I wonder why she was hanging out with such weird (and crazy) people, like her art critic ex-husband and his gothic, witch-like wife or her dope-smoking, live-in boyfriend that hates her cat. Was she lost or confused or something?
At times, I felt Daniella had no mind of her own. She says she wants to be "free of men" but yet she does nothing about it. Did she have "daddy issues?" Maybe it would've added more to the story if we had learned more about Daniella's absent father figure.
The whole story has many different points of view, but it is mainly told from the eyes of Daniella--a pro in my column, because I know who is the "star." I am always concerned with multi-POVs because there is usually a lack of focus; but this book didn't have that issue.
Another character I found interesting was Zorro, the crazy psycho who makes his mark with a huge "Z" on womens' bare ass. Very funny!
With Zorro suddenly in the mix, it made me question on whether this was a thriller or a mystery? Was the objective to catch Zorro and bring him to justice?
I thought the whole animal hotel from Ismael, Daniella's ex, was of little interest to me. At times, I didn't even read the whole paragraph on it. But don't be fooled! As you approach the end, strange mysteries--dark and gory--spring out of nowhere and you can't wait to unravel them all. Is Ismael a mushroom dealer? Is "Lady Dracula" a real vampire? The end will leave you shocked.
The writing was very well-crafted with words so raw, so dark and putrid, and yet so unrequitedly beautiful.
My favorite quote is: "If [Daniella] could choose a place to die, she would choose a bookstore, a coffin made of hardcover mystery books." (pg. 113) From here, it goes on listing the many different books out there--intelligent, boring, insightful, disgusting, maddening, books that will help you accomplish something in less that 7 days, etc. ”
June 6, 2011
Take a college student studying architecture, her artist boyfriend who hates her cat whether he (the boyfriend) is strung out on LSD or sober, her ex-husband and his new wife, AKA Lady Dracula, who keeps bottles of blood in the fridge. Add an atheist friend in love with a priest, a Zorro look-a-like who goes around slashing the rear ends of women wearing mini-skirts, and a mother who may just be involved in a women’s revolution against Zorro. Mix them all together, and you have a story that will make you laugh until the tears roll. You’ll also play the guessing game of who did what and why.
Author Mayra Calvani’s novel SUNSTRUCK introduces the reader to Daniella and a cast of zany characters, along with some unexpected plot twists along the way. Just when I thought I knew all the answers new questions appeared, and I discovered I knew very little. Besides her studies at the university, Daniella works at Ismael’s, her ex-husband’s, hotel for animals, which isn’t quite what it seems. But then nothing in this book is. The author switches point-of-view characters in some of the chapters, giving the reader an inside glimpse at some very disturbed minds. Ms. Calvani has a gift for describing a scene that makes the reader, at least this reader, feel like she’s there, experiencing the events along with the characters. This book looks at the world though a cast of characters that made me laugh but also made me think how sad their lives are and how glad I am that they’re fictional characters. And when an author writes characters that you care about, she’s accomplished her goal. The author has done that in this novel.
I’ve read Ms. Calvani’s picture books and her non-fiction books, but this is my first
novel of hers to read. It won’t be the last. So if you’re looking for a book to lighten your mood, to brighten your day, or to relax with, pick up a copy of SUNSTRUCK. I think you’ll be glad you did. I’d like to see a sequel because I’m curious as to what happens to Daniella and her friends.
Ebook courtesy of the author and Zumaya Publications.
Author Mayra Calvani’s novel SUNSTRUCK introduces the reader to Daniella and a cast of zany characters, along with some unexpected plot twists along the way. Just when I thought I knew all the answers new questions appeared, and I discovered I knew very little. Besides her studies at the university, Daniella works at Ismael’s, her ex-husband’s, hotel for animals, which isn’t quite what it seems. But then nothing in this book is. The author switches point-of-view characters in some of the chapters, giving the reader an inside glimpse at some very disturbed minds. Ms. Calvani has a gift for describing a scene that makes the reader, at least this reader, feel like she’s there, experiencing the events along with the characters. This book looks at the world though a cast of characters that made me laugh but also made me think how sad their lives are and how glad I am that they’re fictional characters. And when an author writes characters that you care about, she’s accomplished her goal. The author has done that in this novel.
I’ve read Ms. Calvani’s picture books and her non-fiction books, but this is my first
novel of hers to read. It won’t be the last. So if you’re looking for a book to lighten your mood, to brighten your day, or to relax with, pick up a copy of SUNSTRUCK. I think you’ll be glad you did. I’d like to see a sequel because I’m curious as to what happens to Daniella and her friends.
Ebook courtesy of the author and Zumaya Publications.
June 12, 2011
Sunstruck opens in sweltering San Juan, Puerto Rico giving the reader an instant taste of the exotic island. Mayra Calvani describes the sights, sounds and smells of this tropical city as only a native Puerto Rican can.
Daniella is a student with a taste for artistic and amazingly handsome men. Unfortunately, the men are as broke as they are handsome and as dysfunctional as they are artistic. Still she can’t seem to help herself. She emotionally bounces back and forth between her ex-husband and her new boyfriend.
She just doesn’t see what Ismael sees in his new old wife, Irene. Lady Dracula, as Daniella dubs her, is just creepy. And Ismael has lost his zest for life and the coloring from his face. Daniella worries about him, his new marriage and his new enterprise.
Tony’s success is all wrapped up with the art gallery crowd of which Lady Dracula is a main player, of course. Daniella loves Tony. Tony says he loves Daniella but he hates her cat. It’s a bad sign.
Daniella knows she should concentrate on her studies but she just can’t help wanting to go to the party that may bring Tony some recognition. She dresses in the cutest little dress, but Tony hardly notices her, he’s too involved with his paintings and with himself.
Once at the party things really start to heat up. Ismael is jealous of Tony, on the inside, but helpful to his career on the outside. It’s the usual love to hate the ex’s new mate unhealthily enmeshed story. Yet, Daniella and Ismael can’t see themselves back together either.
The party gets really weird when Lady Dracula enters the room. She has an obsession for antique torture devises. She is also fabulously wealthy, so nearly anything goes.
The psychological intrigue keeps this novel's pages turning. It’s a quick 200+ page book or e-book that evokes tingles, chills, and nervous laughs, all in the middle of a delightful story of a truly likable naïve young woman.
Without a spoiling the ending, I will say it is satisfying.
Daniella is a student with a taste for artistic and amazingly handsome men. Unfortunately, the men are as broke as they are handsome and as dysfunctional as they are artistic. Still she can’t seem to help herself. She emotionally bounces back and forth between her ex-husband and her new boyfriend.
She just doesn’t see what Ismael sees in his new old wife, Irene. Lady Dracula, as Daniella dubs her, is just creepy. And Ismael has lost his zest for life and the coloring from his face. Daniella worries about him, his new marriage and his new enterprise.
Tony’s success is all wrapped up with the art gallery crowd of which Lady Dracula is a main player, of course. Daniella loves Tony. Tony says he loves Daniella but he hates her cat. It’s a bad sign.
Daniella knows she should concentrate on her studies but she just can’t help wanting to go to the party that may bring Tony some recognition. She dresses in the cutest little dress, but Tony hardly notices her, he’s too involved with his paintings and with himself.
Once at the party things really start to heat up. Ismael is jealous of Tony, on the inside, but helpful to his career on the outside. It’s the usual love to hate the ex’s new mate unhealthily enmeshed story. Yet, Daniella and Ismael can’t see themselves back together either.
The party gets really weird when Lady Dracula enters the room. She has an obsession for antique torture devises. She is also fabulously wealthy, so nearly anything goes.
The psychological intrigue keeps this novel's pages turning. It’s a quick 200+ page book or e-book that evokes tingles, chills, and nervous laughs, all in the middle of a delightful story of a truly likable naïve young woman.
Without a spoiling the ending, I will say it is satisfying.
May 27, 2009
What do a naive and deeply sensitive college student, a modern-day Zorro who goes around slashing the rear ends of women in mini-skirts, a smug and selfish artist with a love of LSD, an ex-husband with his eye on revenge, a woman who collects torture devices, and a socialist--maybe communist--best friend who is in love with a priest, have in common?
They all live in steamy San Juan, Puerto Rico and they can all be found in "Sunstruck", the latest release from talented author Mayra Calvani.
I've read several books by Calvani, but nothing could have prepared me for what I found in "Sunstruck". Realizing how difficult satire can be to pull off, Calvani's witty prose captured me right away and kept me turning the pages.
Written in third person present--a challenge in and of itself--"Sunstruck" tells the story of Daniella, a college student studying architecture, who is trying to find her place in the world while surrounded by the most bizarre individuals.
From Tony, her live-in boyfriend whose obsession with LSD is only equal to his hatred for Daniella's cat, to Daniella's ex-husband who is married to a woman better known as Lady Dracula because of her gothic appearance and strange collection of torture devices, the further into this book you get, the stranger they all become. Just when you think you've got the situation figured out, you discover you're not quite there yet.
Calvani has taken human nature and put it under a microscope--a warped and slightly cracked microscope.
Proving once again that she is a master storyteller in multiple genres, "Sunstruck" by Mayra Calvani is both witty and brilliant.
They all live in steamy San Juan, Puerto Rico and they can all be found in "Sunstruck", the latest release from talented author Mayra Calvani.
I've read several books by Calvani, but nothing could have prepared me for what I found in "Sunstruck". Realizing how difficult satire can be to pull off, Calvani's witty prose captured me right away and kept me turning the pages.
Written in third person present--a challenge in and of itself--"Sunstruck" tells the story of Daniella, a college student studying architecture, who is trying to find her place in the world while surrounded by the most bizarre individuals.
From Tony, her live-in boyfriend whose obsession with LSD is only equal to his hatred for Daniella's cat, to Daniella's ex-husband who is married to a woman better known as Lady Dracula because of her gothic appearance and strange collection of torture devices, the further into this book you get, the stranger they all become. Just when you think you've got the situation figured out, you discover you're not quite there yet.
Calvani has taken human nature and put it under a microscope--a warped and slightly cracked microscope.
Proving once again that she is a master storyteller in multiple genres, "Sunstruck" by Mayra Calvani is both witty and brilliant.
April 7, 2011
A feverish mix of disturbed characters in another time and space, truly facetious entertainment from Calvani.
In steamy San Juan, Puerto Rico, these and other crazed, eccentric characters swirl together in an intriguing, warped, darkly humorous world where not even cats are safe from chemically induced madness.
Sunstruck was of interest to me in part because the author Calvani lives in San Juan, Puerto Rico and this is where Sunstruck comes to life. Having been born in Puerto Rico myself I found it fascinating to run into an author from the island. I found Sunstruck to be quite funny and throughout the book I caught myself laughing many times. The crazy characters and atmosphere of Old San Juan create a perfect narrative for this mix of madness. Daniella the main character seems like a regular college student until you step into her life and meet her psychotic friends. For a little while you feel Daniella's mother, a widow is the only sane one, until you find out what her true interests are. While her best and only friend fills her ear with her amor for a priest, Daniella feels there are more important things to think about. Like Zorro the psycho going around leaving his mark on the rear ends of woman. Sunstruck is like a nutty Whodunit with a little twist. Who really is in the Zorro costume? With all the crazy characters I caught myself pointing fingers again and again. A great read that will make you forget where you are, while you giggle yourself to complete oblivion from all the silliness.
In steamy San Juan, Puerto Rico, these and other crazed, eccentric characters swirl together in an intriguing, warped, darkly humorous world where not even cats are safe from chemically induced madness.
Sunstruck was of interest to me in part because the author Calvani lives in San Juan, Puerto Rico and this is where Sunstruck comes to life. Having been born in Puerto Rico myself I found it fascinating to run into an author from the island. I found Sunstruck to be quite funny and throughout the book I caught myself laughing many times. The crazy characters and atmosphere of Old San Juan create a perfect narrative for this mix of madness. Daniella the main character seems like a regular college student until you step into her life and meet her psychotic friends. For a little while you feel Daniella's mother, a widow is the only sane one, until you find out what her true interests are. While her best and only friend fills her ear with her amor for a priest, Daniella feels there are more important things to think about. Like Zorro the psycho going around leaving his mark on the rear ends of woman. Sunstruck is like a nutty Whodunit with a little twist. Who really is in the Zorro costume? With all the crazy characters I caught myself pointing fingers again and again. A great read that will make you forget where you are, while you giggle yourself to complete oblivion from all the silliness.
May 11, 2011
What do you get when you combine the sultry locale of Puerto Rico with the eccentric characters of the local art world? A humorous romp through the lives of complex set of characters is at the heart of the novel Sunstruck, by Mayra Calvani.
Sunstruck focuses on several characters in the Puerto Rican art world. All the characters interact with the protagonist Daniella. Daniella is at a cross-roads in her life. Between her philosophical studies and her complex relationships, Daniella is unsure how to live her life. She tries to find reason and purpose, but the unusual choices of her friends and companions leave her in a constant state of flux. But her life has a purpose, however twisted her means.
What makes this book a page turner is the complex characters who are full of flaws but lovable. From the fame hungry Ismael, Daniella’s ex-husband, the narcissistic boyfriend, Tony and the ghastly Irene, Ismael’s wife, Calvani’s characters have depth. Each ridiculous character decision adds to the sardonic quality of this well written novel.
The uniting character of the novel is the unknown Zorro, who terrorizes the women of Puerto Rico. In the end, the revelation of Zorro will leave you guessing till the end.
Sunstruck focuses on several characters in the Puerto Rican art world. All the characters interact with the protagonist Daniella. Daniella is at a cross-roads in her life. Between her philosophical studies and her complex relationships, Daniella is unsure how to live her life. She tries to find reason and purpose, but the unusual choices of her friends and companions leave her in a constant state of flux. But her life has a purpose, however twisted her means.
What makes this book a page turner is the complex characters who are full of flaws but lovable. From the fame hungry Ismael, Daniella’s ex-husband, the narcissistic boyfriend, Tony and the ghastly Irene, Ismael’s wife, Calvani’s characters have depth. Each ridiculous character decision adds to the sardonic quality of this well written novel.
The uniting character of the novel is the unknown Zorro, who terrorizes the women of Puerto Rico. In the end, the revelation of Zorro will leave you guessing till the end.
April 19, 2011
I got a chance to review one of my new favorite books called Sunstruck by Mayra Calvani. This book literally had me captivated from the very first page. I'm not even exaggerating, this book was extremely difficult to stop reading.
Based around a character named Daniella, you are taken on a mysterious adventure with a psychedelic twist. She's surrounded by crazy artists, scary beings and some mysterios character who slashes the zorro sign on the buttocks of women who wear miniskirts at night. Surrounded by magic mushrooms and harsh drugs, Daniella tries to understand not only her own life, but the lives of the people around her too.
Although this book is fiction, all the historical facts and the famous historical people are real. Along with enjoying this book, I also learned a lot. Especially because the facts were so interesting, I felt the need of finding more information. I highly recommend this book to absolutely everyone. I really hope that one day, Sunstruck will become a movie.
Based around a character named Daniella, you are taken on a mysterious adventure with a psychedelic twist. She's surrounded by crazy artists, scary beings and some mysterios character who slashes the zorro sign on the buttocks of women who wear miniskirts at night. Surrounded by magic mushrooms and harsh drugs, Daniella tries to understand not only her own life, but the lives of the people around her too.
Although this book is fiction, all the historical facts and the famous historical people are real. Along with enjoying this book, I also learned a lot. Especially because the facts were so interesting, I felt the need of finding more information. I highly recommend this book to absolutely everyone. I really hope that one day, Sunstruck will become a movie.
May 5, 2011
This book was so crazy it was fantastic. Talk about a nutty twisty book this is it and all in good fun. This book will not disappoint you at all. The part I liked best about this book is catching myself laughing out loud at some of the craziness in this book. The characters are really interesting to say the least. Wait till you read about Zorro what a hoot. Mayra is a great author and I will be looking for more books from her.
September 1, 2012
Sunstruck was unlike anything I've read before. It is very unique and quirky.
The characters were bizarre to say the least.
It was fun to read something different for a change. If you are looking for a change of pace in your reading, this may be for you.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The characters were bizarre to say the least.
It was fun to read something different for a change. If you are looking for a change of pace in your reading, this may be for you.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 9, 2011
I kept reading this book because the dialogue and the internal monologues, and therefore the characters, were so engaging. This book is — unique.
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