The Tree of Red Stars

Rating:
Summary: This book is very moving. Could not put it down.
Review: In the book Tree of Red Stars we get a look at Uruguayan society in times of peace and prosperity and how that reality changes and how it affects a young girl who although idealistic she sees that the country she has grown up in has to change. It is a painful realization, but as the changes that are taking place involve more and more people around her, there is no way she can remain ignorant of the corruption and political tirany. An excellent book, with a very strong message valid for many nations as well as Uruguay.

Rating:
Summary: Do not go quietly
Review: Magda never did. Whether you agree with her political fight, you must agree that Magda fights it well. Born into a family with plenty of privedge, Magda stays conscious that not everyone is as fotunate.

Tessa Bridal's writing is wonderfully lyrical as well, as she explores Magda's coming of age and growing sense of self and country.

Rating:
Summary: Exactly what I was looking for
Review: My husband and his family are from Uruguay - and I have been trying to learn more about the country's history and culture. What a blessing this book has been! Exactly what I was looking for.

Rating:
Summary: A must read
Review: This book was wonderfully moving. The author parallels the experiences of a carefree young girl with the evoluton of a nation in turmoil. The description of Uruguay, its' customs and lexicon are givn an A+. They made me laugh, cry and remember my own upbringing.

Rating:
Summary: A must read
Review: This book was wonderfully moving. The author parallels the experiences of a carefree young girl with the evoluton of a nation in turmoil. The description of Uruguay, its' customs and lexicon are givn an A+. They made me laugh, cry and remember my own upbringing.

Rating:
Summary: Exactly what I was looking for
Review: This is one of the novels that I recommend to people who say they haven't read a book in years. It's a great story, about events that not many people in the U.S. are even aware occurred. It does just what a good novel should do: it introduces you to a new and different world, but points out the universal behaviors which we can all identify with. I saw the author reading from her novel in Philadelphia years ago and some jerk in the audience asked why any American should read this book since it doesn't have anything to do with their lives. The author was a bit flummoxed by the apparent hostility of the questioner and the rest of the audience was discomfited to say the least. Finally, Ms. Bridal just said, "well, some people like to read about things they haven't experienced....and just because you in America haven't experienced the events I write about doesn't mean that you never will..." I loved it.

Rating:
Summary: A great first novel
Review: This is one of the novels that I recommend to people who say they haven't read a book in years. It's a great story, about events that not many people in the U.S. are even aware occurred. It does just what a good novel should do: it introduces you to a new and different world, but points out the universal behaviors which we can all identify with. I saw the author reading from her novel in Philadelphia years ago and some jerk in the audience asked why any American should read this book since it doesn't have anything to do with their lives. The author was a bit flummoxed by the apparent hostility of the questioner and the rest of the audience was discomfited to say the least. Finally, Ms. Bridal just said, "well, some people like to read about things they haven't experienced....and just because you in America haven't experienced the events I write about doesn't mean that you never will..." I loved it.

Rating:
Summary: A great, quick read!
Review: This was a very enjoyable story. The feelings that the author portrays and the questions that she evokes were poignantly laid out. It was a quick one day read and I very much enjoyed it!