Why Did You Come Back Every Summer
A journey through family secrets and personal healing
Belén López Peiró author Maureen Shaughnessy translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Charco Press
Published:9th Apr '24
Should be back in stock very soon
Exploring themes of family abuse and the quest for truth, Why Did You Come Back Every Summer reveals the emotional complexities of betrayal and loyalty.
In Why Did You Come Back Every Summer, Belén López Peiró delves into the complexities of family dynamics, revealing the profound impact of abuse and the struggle for truth. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly normal childhood, the narrative unfolds in a home where the lines between love and betrayal blur. The protagonist faces the harrowing reality of her uncle, a police commissioner, being her assailant, while the very fabric of her family begins to unravel. The emotional weight of her experiences is palpable, as she navigates the treacherous waters of loyalty and betrayal within her own family.
The story captures the essence of young teenagehood, a time when innocence is shattered, and the quest for understanding becomes paramount. Peiró skillfully intertwines various voices, creating a tapestry of perspectives that highlight the uncertainty and self-doubt that accompany such trauma. As the protagonist grapples with her memories, the narrative raises critical questions about familial obligations and the elusive nature of truth. The tension between seeking justice and maintaining family ties becomes a central theme, compelling readers to reflect on their own values and loyalties.
Ultimately, Why Did You Come Back Every Summer is a poignant exploration of the cost of confronting painful truths. It challenges readers to consider the complexities of familial love, the sacrifices made in pursuit of healing, and the difficult choices that define our relationships. This powerful narrative resonates long after the last page is turned, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's heart.
"Fearless and distinctive, this is vital reading. " —Publishers Weekly
"Employing direct and crude language, López Peiró writes against the system, against the web of silence that tried to keep her quiet, and against herself. (…) A book that becomes a political act that forces us to look in places we would prefer not to."" —Casa America Catalunya
"An exquisite book, a powerful political intervention. And so necessary. "" —Gabriela Cabezón Cámara , author of THE ADVENTURES OF CHINA IRON
"The map of what happens to us, finally revealed complete. Indispensable."" —Brigitte Vasallo
"A perfect and precise book that tackles macho violence and makes the picture that supports impunity emotionally palpable.” "" —Gabriela Wiener , author of SEXOGRAPHIES and NINE MOONS
"Incredible expressive power. " —La Agenda
"One of the bravest and starkest texts in recent memory." —Infobae
"Those who immerse themselves in the pages of this novel will feel each word like a dagger. The author is explicit: she goes to the bone, writing without holding back. (...) This novel is a cry, a denunciation, but also a way of healing. Belén discovered the possibility of transforming pain and turning her book into an instrument of struggle, containment and support for those who don’t dare to make their own denunciation. " —Feminacida
"López Peiró narrates the experience of sexual abuse that she endured while she goes a young girl. But she doesn’t do so in the first person. Rather, she does it through parallel voices and police statements which allow her to widen out a tragedy that in no case is singular. It is always plural." —Vogue
"Why Did You Come Back Every Summer marks an inflection point in the chronology of autobiographical fiction." —The Washington Post
"Crude, direct and without embellishment, Peiró’s novel has become a literary revolution that has put the wind in the sails of all the women who have been in her position. " —El Independiente
"Avoiding stylistic fanfare and with the directness of speech, the book recounts the inside and outside story from both multiple individual perspectives as well as the legal report. Though it is a book that moves us emotionally, López Peiró never forgets that she is telling a tale of terror and her obligation to report the investigation. " —Revista de Letras
ISBN: 9781913867805
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
188 pages