SuitabookClap When You Land
Elizabeth Acevedo
- Reading
- Read in shorter sittings if useful, checking whose perspective you are following: the alternating viewpoints and chapter markers may initially require attention. Discuss difficult scenes afterwards rather than assuming their impact is straightforward.
- Themes
- Grief and family secrets: Two half-sisters learn about each other after their father dies, prompting questions about family knowledge and whether they can become true sisters. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Identity and belonging: Yahaira is lesbian, her girlfriend is African American, and Camino's best friend is Haitian; the sisters' relationship develops across different family and cultural contexts. The book presents this mainly as information or explanation.
- Agency under threat: Camino is stalked and harassed by El Cero, who eventually assaults her and repeatedly tries to pressure her into sex work; Yahaira is also touched inappropriately on public transport. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Worth knowing
- Attention may be warranted for bereavement, a plane crash, stalking, sexual harassment and sexual assault. The book also includes profanity, Spanish insults, brief alcohol references and cigar smoking.