a very sad novel, but a very necessary one. the descriptions and portrayals of grief were very gripping and well-written. the non-linear structure was also very interesting, it helped to develop the characters and make me feel connected to their experiences. the only thing that brings my rating down a little is that the ending was quite ambiguous to the point where I wasn't sure if there had really been changes in the characters by the end. as well developed as they were, they seemed static. a reflection of real life, I suppose, which is another beauty of this book in it's own way, how it addresses the truths that affect BIPOC immigrants and those in poverty, how pain is far too common but how our dreams persist. 
still, it's a little unnatural to me for a novel to be packed with so much emotion that seemed to never be resolved. or at least discussed- obviously what we feel is never resolved, but it would've been more interesting to me if the characters had unpacked what had happened. still pretty fantastic, though.