Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez on January 4, 2022
Genres: Fiction / Family Life / Siblings, Fiction / Hispanic & Latino
Pages: 384
Format: Audiobook
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Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez is a powerful novel that weaves together the complex threads of Puerto Rican identity, political corruption, and the elusive American Dream. At its heart, the book is not just a family saga, but also a profound commentary on the intersection of personal and collective histories.
Set against the backdrop of Brooklyn’s gentrification and Puerto Rico’s economic turmoil, the story follows Olga Acevedo, a wedding planner to New York’s elite, and her brother Prieto, a congressman. Both siblings grapple with their identities as Puerto Ricans living in the diaspora, haunted by the political activism of their absent mother, Blanca, who abandoned them to fight for Puerto Rican independence.
Gonzalez masterfully captures the essence of Puerto Rican culture, portraying it as a vibrant yet complex identity shaped by history, resilience, and a sense of belonging that transcends geography. Olga’s internal struggle reflects the larger experience of many Puerto Ricans who navigate the delicate balance between assimilation and cultural preservation. Through food, language, and traditions, the novel showcases the richness of Puerto Rican culture, while also highlighting the ways in which it is often marginalized or misunderstood in the broader American context.
Political corruption is a central theme in the novel, explored both in the context of Puerto Rican politics and American governance. Prieto, who is involved in a scandalous real estate deal, exemplifies the moral compromises that often accompany power. Meanwhile, the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria and the U.S. government’s inadequate response underscore the ongoing colonial relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States. Gonzalez doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of political exploitation and the devastating impact it has on the most vulnerable communities.
The novel also delves into the notion of the American Dream, revealing it as both a promise and a myth. Olga and Prieto’s lives are shaped by their pursuit of success and stability, yet they find themselves constantly confronting the limitations imposed by their race, class, and cultural background. Gonzalez critiques the ideal of the American Dream, showing how it often demands the erasure of one’s heritage and identity in exchange for a hollow sense of belonging. Through the Acevedo siblings, the novel explores the sacrifices and disillusionments that come with striving for a dream that is often out of reach for those who are marginalized.
Olga Dies Dreaming is a poignant exploration of the complexities of Puerto Rican identity, the pervasive nature of political corruption, and the seductive yet illusory promise of the American Dream. Xochitl Gonzalez has crafted a narrative that is both deeply personal and politically resonant, offering readers a story that is as much about a family’s struggle as it is about the broader societal forces that shape their lives. The novel is a compelling reminder of the importance of cultural heritage, the need for political accountability, and the power of self-discovery in the face of systemic oppression.