FICTION

Loca

by Alejandro Heredia
S. & S. Feb. 2025. 352p. ISBN 9781668050460. $28.99. F
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DEBUT Heredia’s debut novel looks into the lives of two friends, Sal and Charo, who are from the Dominican Republic but find themselves in New York in the late 1990s. Strong narratives present readers with a taste of what life was like for these friends growing up under challenging conditions in which one had to be tough and have street smarts to survive; life in New York is not any easier for either of them. Charo is a 25-year-old mother who works in a supermarket and is in a controlling relationship. Sal teaches science to kids and is in a relationship with his boyfriend, Vance. Some readers may find that storyline transitions are not woven as tightly as they could be, but the writing is both gritty and heartfelt.
VERDICT With themes of relationships, love, and family, this tale will resonate with readers who have faced hardships and who have had to search for and embrace their identity. A welcome addition to collections.
Reviewed by Shirley Quan , Jan 01, 2025
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