Given that María Sirena’s story starts with imprisonment followed by guerrilla fighting and then a reconcentration camp, there are lots of sad moments in The Distant Marvels, including the deaths of several characters, sexual assault, and starvation. However, Acevedo writes in such a way that you understand what’s happening without including unbearable graphic details. I got it, but I was never overly-uncomfortable, allowing me to stay in the story and hear these minority voices. The author’s choice may stem from her decision to have María Sirena narrate; remember, she’s telling her life to a group of women sheltering in a hurricane who are afraid.

Check out the full review at https://grabthelapels.com/2021/04/20/the-distant-marvels-by-chantel-acevedo/