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The Family Izquierdo

A Novel

Audiobook
33 of 33 copies available
33 of 33 copies available

A masterful debut that weaves together the lives of three generations of a Mexican American family bound by love—and a curse.

The tight-knit Izquierdo family is grappling with misfortunes none of them can explain. Their beloved patriarch has suffered from an emotional collapse and is dying; eldest son Gonzalo's marriage is falling apart; daughter Dina, beleaguered by the fear that her nightmares are real, is a shut-in.

When Gonzalo digs up a strange object in the backyard of the family home, the Izquierdos take it as proof that a jealous neighbor has cursed them—could this be the reason for all their troubles? As the Izquierdos face a distressing present and an uncertain future, they are sustained by the blood that binds them, a divine presence, and an abiding love for one another.

Told in a series of soulful voices brimming with warmth and humor, The Family Izquierdo is a tender narrative of a family at a turning point.

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    • AudioFile Magazine
      A luminous ensemble brings this delectable audiobook to life. Listeners follow three generations of the Izquierdo family. In 1958, Papa Tavo and Guadalupe moved from Reynosa to McAllen. The Izquierdos are sure a neighbor has placed a curse on them. They attribute all their sadness or bad luck to the curse. But not all the Izquierdos believe in this curse; listeners get a chance to hear different perspectives from various family members. This audiobook also explores themes of family, religion, gender roles, and respect for elders through a traditional and modern lens. The narrators are consummate professionals who easily switch from English to Spanish, use various accents flawlessly, and create distinct and unique voices for each family member. Overall, the cast creates a rich and rewarding listening experience. A.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
    • Library Journal

      March 1, 2023

      YA author Degollado's (Throw) adult fiction debut follows three generations of Izquierdos, a large and lively family living in McAllen, TX, just seven miles from the U.S./Mexico border. According to the Izquierdos, they did not cross over the border--the border crossed over them. Family progenitors Papa Tavo and Abuelita believe that they have been cursed with bad luck, thanks to their neighbor Contreras, who is jealous of their successful family and business. Degollado keeps the pace moving with vignettes that span decades and highlight various branches of the family. A full cast of narrators, including Rogelio T. Ramos, Thom Rivera, Kyla Garcia, Frankie Corzo, Roxanne Hernandez, and Carolina Hoyos, voice different points of view, each speaking English and Spanish as fluently as the family members themselves. Passages of untranslated Spanish are peppered throughout, but the narrators are so expressive that listeners will be able to sense the author's intent, even without a translation. The story does not flow linearly, but listeners will connect with the Izquierdos and love every rowdy celebration. VERDICT A glorious and sprawling tale of a family living close to the border, perfect for fans of Luis Alberto Urrea's The House of Broken Angels.--Laura Trombley

      Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

Languages

  • English

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