Highly Recommend!

I absolutely adored this book. It’s a sweeping, epic story told in the form of letters written by 100-year-old Violeta on her deathbed to her grandson. Spanning her life from being born during the Spanish flu pandemic to her death during the COVID-19 pandemic, it captures her achievements, loves, losses, growth, triumphs, and the political upheavals she endured.

I specifically sought out a book by this author after seeing her name mentioned often, curious to understand why her writing is so beloved. Now, I completely understand—and I can’t wait to read more of her work.

What stood out to me most was the open, hospitable nature of the characters. Despite being shaped by their time and culture, their relationships felt timeless and deeply inspiring. Strangers became family through small acts of kindness, loyalty, and protection, remaining fiercely devoted to one another until the end. This portrayal of community made me reflect on our increasingly individualistic society. It saddened me to think how much we’ve drifted from such connections, but it also inspired me to seek and nurture relationships as meaningful and enriching as those in Violeta’s life.

Violeta’s richness wasn’t just in her remarkable achievements but in the depth of her relationships. Her story made me want to live a life as full and connected as hers.