Like other readers, I came to this book after reading and loving some of Pagán's other novels. This one has a distinctly different voice and is, frankly, devastating all the way through. It is tragic beginning on page 1 and becomes increasingly more tragic as you move through it. I spent the first third wondering if I should keep reading; the second third feeling hopeful for the characters and also groaning at their choices; and the final third reminding myself that reality can be painful and I didn't need a book to tell me so, but then also crying while reading. Good writing and lots of beautifully crafted sentences, but this wasn't as easy or quick a read as Pagán's other books seem to be.