By Julia Alvarez, Review 4 of 2024
The Cemetery of Untold Stories manages to contain a sweeping multigenerational saga, told through multiple points of view, in one fairly compact novel. The jaded, yet almost whimsical, central character, Alma, is an author attempting to “retire” from writing but struggling to silence the unfinished stories overtaking her consciousness. I loved the historical detail, complicated web of characters, and that it left me thinking about legacy, memory, and the obligations and responsibilities of storytellers. Would recommend this to those who liked Yellowface or How to Drown in A Glass of Water.
Bonus: This book made want to learn Spanish again.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this audiobook for review purposes.
Categories: Fiction, Magical Realism
Content Warning: Child death, Murder, Grief, Genocide, Infidelity, Racism, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Dementia, Rape