It Would Be Night in Caracas
by Karina Sainz Borgo
My thoughts:
It Would Be Night in Caracas is a story about a woman named Adelaida who struggles living in Venezuela during turbulent times of uprising and violence. She’s just experienced a death in the family, and as time moves forward she eventually loses her home. It’s a nightmare, and now she has no choice but to make a difficult decision for her survival.
This book is harrowing and frightening at times; it’s not for the faint of heart. I thought in my mind repeatedly throughout the story: who could live like this? It made me cringe at times, and I came so close to quitting. With that said, I thought the book was written well for the most part, I just wasn’t captivated by the story. It’s timely and political, but didn’t grab my interest. There was also something that niggled me, like how the flashbacks and present weren’t matching up well, which made the story confusing for me a few times.
Despite all the misfortune that was happening in the story, the book didn’t evoke any feeling or emotion in me when it came to the characters. I was naturally angry at times with the violence, but there wasn’t any emotional attachment for me.
I’m glad I was able to finish the book because the ending was satisfying. I’m not going to say I enjoyed it because it’s simply not that kind of book, but I’m still glad to have read it. I’m sure there are plenty of other people who would like this book and appreciate its literary value. I’ll likely read more works by Karina Sainz Borgo in the future.
3***
I’d like to thank the author and publisher for offering this book in a giveaway. This is my own, honest opinion of the book.
Find this book on Goodreads and Amazon:
- Hardcover: 240 pages
- Publisher: HarperVia (October 15, 2019)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0062936867
- ISBN-13: 978-0062936868
From Goodreads:
Told with gripping intensity, It Would be Night in Caracas chronicles one woman’s desperate battle to survive amid the dangerous, sometimes deadly, turbulence of modern Venezuela and the lengths she must go to secure her future.
In Caracas, Venezuela, Adelaida Falcon stands over an open grave. Alone, except for harried undertakers, she buries her mother–the only family Adelaida has ever known.
Numb with grief, Adelaida returns to the apartment they shared. Outside the window that she tapes shut every night—to prevent the tear gas raining down on protesters in the streets from seeping in. When looters masquerading as revolutionaries take over her apartment, Adelaida resists and is beaten up. It is the beginning of a fight for survival in a country that has disintegrated into violence and anarchy, where citizens are increasingly pitted against each other. But as fate would have it, Adelaida is given a gruesome choice that could secure her escape.
Filled with riveting twists and turns, and told in a powerful, urgent voice, It Would Be Night in Caracas is a chilling reminder of how quickly the world we know can crumble.
Thanks for reading my review!
❤ Mischenko
ReadRantRock&Roll 
I’m not sure I could read this. It sounds a bit too stark and brutal.
It’s interesting that you really didn’t form an emotional attachment to any of the characters (a must for me when I read). Normally, I would think this type of book would rely on that. It does sound like the author wrote a compelling story–just not for me.
You write an excellent review. Most insightful.
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Almost sounds like this might be a true story rather then fiction. I’m hoping , for the authors sake, That it truly is fiction. There are so many bad happenings and issues in the populated areas in South America.
Very honest review Jen. Thx for sharing but I think this is one I couldn’t read.
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You now, she grew up in Venezuela and then relocated to Spain, so I do wonder. Thanks for reading my review! 😉
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I know there are people that are going to love this book, but it just wasn’t a favorite. Exactly as you say, usually with books like this I have much more emotion.
I appreciate your positive comments! Thank you, Mae. ❤
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This would have been too much for me too. I would prefer a lighter readat the moment. Fantastic review Jenn❤️
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Thank you, Shalini. It’s not like reading a horror, but definitely not a light read. Hope you’re doing well, friend. 💛
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I am okay, how are you and kids?
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Doing okay. Some minor setbacks health wise, but doing good for the most part. Excited that fall is here. I’m glad you’re doing okay. ❤
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This is a period of time that was dark and harrowing for those living in Venezuela. It is a book that needs to be read by many to remember this time. I am glad you posted this review Jen. This is one that is on my TBR and I will read it when I am in the right frame of mind.
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I totally get that, and I get that these events are still happening. I do think it’s important, it’s just not my kind of book. I think if there were more character development, it would’ve held my interest more. Hope you enjoy it, Carla, and thanks for checking out my review! 💜
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Yes, I agree, three should have been a good story with good character development to go with it if the author wants people to read it.
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I still wonder if parts of it are true as far as what the author experienced living there and then relocating. I guess I should do more research on that! 😉
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