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Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite
The Sun Express: 27 Stations to Redemption by Pilar Velez is based on the author's experiences. The book opens as the protagonist Corinthia moves into her grandmother's house in the City of Cali. She grows up surrounded by grief and violence. As she moves out, she tries to make sense of her life. Years later, she returns to her grandmother's house to write the history of her ancestors. The book chronicles the story of three generations of her family as they wade through highly politicized Colombia. It relies heavily on themes of memory, violence, and innocence.
The Sun Express by Pilar Velez brings the issue of displaced families in Colombia into sharp focus. The innocent voice of Corinthia is a brilliant move on the author's part. Her naïve perspective colors her surroundings and brings to light the stark reality of a Latin American neighborhood dominated by local legends and criminals. The book interweaves the relationships in the family, especially between the protagonist and her grandmother. Through the interplay between Corinthia and her grandmother, the author highlights the reality of displaced persons and the trauma that characterizes their lives. Corinthia is also a delightful character to follow. Her life of hardship and sadness evokes a feeling of empathy in the hearts of readers. Her journey is one of hope and resilience as she succeeds in overcoming her generational trauma.
The book's editing is immaculate, and the narrative flows from one chapter to the next. The author describes the history of Colombia in an easy-to-understand manner that makes the story more engaging for readers. This is a heartfelt work that highlights the tragic reality of displaced Latin Americans beautifully. I recommend it to readers who like historical novels with complex characters.
