Rating: 
Summary: War through the eyes of a 9-year-old soldier
Review: "The Weight of All Things" is a somber story following the life of a 9-year-old boy during the 1980s El Salvadoran Civil War. The book cuts to the chase, beginning with a description of the shooting of Lety Veras, the mother of Nicolas, right there on page 1. The ensuing chapters follow young Nico as he searches for his lost mother, returns to his grandfather's farm, and eventually accepts Lety's death.Benitez's novel is filled with descriptions of guerilla warfare, civil unrest, and the hardships of peasant life in a war-torn country. Although the book is hardly an upper, it finishes with an encouraging epilogue, and manages to depict the challenges of wartime survival without being too emotional or political. Benitez slips in a few comments about the senseless nature of civil war, without haranguing on this all-too-obvious point. "The Weight of All Things" is definitely a quick weekend read. Chances are, you'll learn something about the El Salvador conflict, and in the process gain renewed appreciation for the easier lives that most of us live.
Rating:
Summary: War through the eyes of a 9-year-old soldier
Review: "The Weight of All Things" is a somber story following the life of a 9-year-old boy during the 1980s El Salvadoran Civil War. The book cuts to the chase, beginning with a description of the shooting of Lety Veras, the mother of Nicolas, right there on page 1. The ensuing chapters follow young Nico as he searches for his lost mother, returns to his grandfather's farm, and eventually accepts Lety's death. Benitez's novel is filled with descriptions of guerilla warfare, civil unrest, and the hardships of peasant life in a war-torn country. Although the book is hardly an upper, it finishes with an encouraging epilogue, and manages to depict the challenges of wartime survival without being too emotional or political. Benitez slips in a few comments about the senseless nature of civil war, without haranguing on this all-too-obvious point. "The Weight of All Things" is definitely a quick weekend read. Chances are, you'll learn something about the El Salvador conflict, and in the process gain renewed appreciation for the easier lives that most of us live.
Rating:
Summary: the weight of reality
Review: A simple, affecting story, simply told, "The Weight of All Things" draws us into the reality denied by the Reagan and Bush I administrations. A good read and something to think about.
Rating:
Summary: the weight of reality
Review: A simple, affecting story, simply told, "The Weight of All Things" draws us into the reality denied by the Reagan and Bush I administrations. A good read and something to think about.
Rating: 
Summary: Weight of All Things...
Review: As I was searching for something totally different, I stumbled across this book. Being a little skeptic about a writer that did not "grow up" in the region, I did not have a high level of confidence that the essence of the Salvadoran conflict could be captured. Nevertheless, I decided to buy this book. I was very surprised of not only the author's knowledge of the tragic events, but her ability to describe the environment (surroundings) in which these events were happening to the point that a native, like myself, was able to visualize the exact setting. In addition, the author did not get caught in the political analysis of this tragic era in the history of El Salvador, but truly described the feelings of the great majority of Salvadorans, which were truly caught in the middle, through the wonderful story of Nico. There was no vilifying of either the left or the right. A minor reference to the Salvadoran-Honduran war which hints at the reason for this war to be a soccer match was the only discrepancy I found. Even though it is a popular belief that this war was fought as a result of this match, scholars note and understand the reason to be mounting political tensions due to border disputes as the real reason. The author mentioned this fact in one part of the book, but made reference to the soccer match as being the reason for the war in another part of the book. Considering all this, this is an excellent novel. Kudos to Ms. Benitez
Rating:
Summary: Moving
Review: Benitez does a wonderful job with this novel. As the depiction of the life of an average child during the tumultuous revolution in San Salvador in the 80s, Benitez combines the ability to remain non-judgemental with the innocence of a child. She has thus created a story rich in emotion, but unbiased in fact. In an attempt to remain bi-partisan, Benitez does her best to side with neither party in the war. Instead, she sides with the nation's citizens, and against the war in general. The Weight of All Things is ingeniously written through the eyes of a young boy; A young boy who can see no evil government, nor the good in revolution. A young boy who can only experience the loss of war, not its rewards. His story is compelling enough to read the novel, but Benitez layers on top of emotion with vivid descriptions of the events in San Salvador at the time, and together, we as readers can feel the story-line unfold in our lap. Rising as falling as Benitez commands. The Weight of all things was a wonderful novel, and I can not wait to see Benitez' writing progress in future novels. If for no other reason, read this book because it is refreshing and different from anything you've read.
Rating:
Summary: Moving
Review: Benitez does a wonderful job with this novel. As the depiction of the life of an average child during the tumultuous revolution in San Salvador in the 80s, Benitez combines the ability to remain non-judgemental with the innocence of a child. She has thus created a story rich in emotion, but unbiased in fact. In an attempt to remain bi-partisan, Benitez does her best to side with neither party in the war. Instead, she sides with the nation's citizens, and against the war in general. The Weight of All Things is ingeniously written through the eyes of a young boy; A young boy who can see no evil government, nor the good in revolution. A young boy who can only experience the loss of war, not its rewards. His story is compelling enough to read the novel, but Benitez layers on top of emotion with vivid descriptions of the events in San Salvador at the time, and together, we as readers can feel the story-line unfold in our lap. Rising as falling as Benitez commands. The Weight of all things was a wonderful novel, and I can not wait to see Benitez' writing progress in future novels. If for no other reason, read this book because it is refreshing and different from anything you've read.
Rating:
Summary: Benitez lets the truth be known about El Salvador
Review: I have reviewed Sandra Benitez's "Bitter Grounds", and I have come back to review "The Weight of All Things" - How can I not praise a novel that has the potential to open so many eyes and move so many hearts? Few know or wish to admit the horrible truth of what happend in El Salvador - what was this war really about? How did it effect the people? Who was really in the wrong? Some may be shocked to find that the US Government funded (sending aid in the billions) this war - and on what many would consider, the wrong side. They gave a corrupt government the power, money, ammunition, training, even US Soldiers, and their approval in Hitler-like activities against the poor, common people of El Salvador. They are in part responsible for the deathes of countless innocents, including women and children - who died horrible deathes - who were caught in the middle of a war which, had the US supported the correct side, could have changed history forever, making the tiny Central American country, fair for all. Instead, in selfish interest and ignorant "fear" of communism, the US caused so much damage that this little country has been scarred for life. Benitez lends a sympathetic ear to the people who deserve it most - she tells the story which often goes untold - and she tells it in such a way that your heart will not go untouched. Benitez is a real asset to the writing world. She can tell a political and tragic story with the most poetic words and the most beautiful symobolism and imagery... I just want to thank her for another great book and most of all, for letting the truth be known.
Rating:
Summary: Weight of All Things...
Review: Sandra Benitez has woven a haunting tale of a young boy caught in the war-ravaged reality of El Salvador in 1980. Nicolas Veras had a wonderful mother. She shielded his body from the gunfire of an attack by guerillas at Archbishop Romero's funeral and she passed on to him her earnest faith in the Virgin Mary. After her death, Nicholas must find his way alone to his grandfather's rural home in the El Salvadoran mountains. He finds that the national military has bombed his village, destroying homes, businesses and the church. From the debris, Nicolas removes the slightly damaged statue of Mary and carries it with him to the farm that has been overtaken by pro-Communist rebels. From here, the story takes flight. Nicolas and his grandfather are compelled to cooperate with the guerillas. Nicolas participates in smuggling fresh blood and medical supplies to the guerilla camp. He is later captured by the army. Other frightening events occur but young Nicolas feels little fear because, miraculously, the statue of Mary comes alive and speaks advice to Nicolas, giving both instructions and encouragement as he precariously maneuvers between the warring factions of ruthless guerillas and the corrupt and equally ruthless army. The words flow gently in this sadly beautiful novel. I am usually repulsed by stories involving violence or cruelty towards children; however, this story is so adroitly written with a mixture of harsh truth and tenderness that I couldn't turn away.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, moving .....
Review: Sandra Benitez has woven a haunting tale of a young boy caught in the war-ravaged reality of El Salvador in 1980. Nicolas Veras had a wonderful mother. She shielded his body from the gunfire of an attack by guerillas at Archbishop Romero's funeral and she passed on to him her earnest faith in the Virgin Mary. After her death, Nicholas must find his way alone to his grandfather's rural home in the El Salvadoran mountains. He finds that the national military has bombed his village, destroying homes, businesses and the church. From the debris, Nicolas removes the slightly damaged statue of Mary and carries it with him to the farm that has been overtaken by pro-Communist rebels. From here, the story takes flight. Nicolas and his grandfather are compelled to cooperate with the guerillas. Nicolas participates in smuggling fresh blood and medical supplies to the guerilla camp. He is later captured by the army. Other frightening events occur but young Nicolas feels little fear because, miraculously, the statue of Mary comes alive and speaks advice to Nicolas, giving both instructions and encouragement as he precariously maneuvers between the warring factions of ruthless guerillas and the corrupt and equally ruthless army. The words flow gently in this sadly beautiful novel. I am usually repulsed by stories involving violence or cruelty towards children; however, this story is so adroitly written with a mixture of harsh truth and tenderness that I couldn't turn away.
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