Book Review: “Oye” by Melissa Mogollon

“Oye” by Melissa Mogollon (2024)

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary

Page Length: 336 pages (electronic review edition)

Synopsis:

Luciana is the baby of her large Colombian American family. And despite usually being relegated to the sidelines, she now finds herself the voice of reason in the middle of their unexpected crisis. Her older sister, Mari, is away at college and reduced to a mere listening ear on the other end of their many phone calls, so when South Florida residents are ordered to evacuate before a hurricane, it’s up to Luciana to deal with her eccentric grandmother, Abue, who’s refusing to leave. But the storm isn’t the only danger. Abue, normally glamorous and full of life, is given a crushing medical diagnosis. While she’d prefer to ignore it and focus on upholding her reputation and her looks instead, the news sets Abue on her own personal journey, with Luciana reluctantly along for the ride.

When Abue moves into Luciana’s bedroom, their complicated bond only intensifies. Luciana would rather be skating or sneaking out to meet girls, but Abue’s wild demands and unpredictable antics are a welcome distraction from Luciana’s misguided mother, absent sister, and uncertain future. Forced to step into the role of caretaker, translator, and keeper of the devastating secrets that Abue begins to share, Luciana suddenly finds herself center stage, facing down adulthood—and rising to the occasion.

As Luciana chronicles the events of her upended senior year over the phone, Oye feels like the most entertaining conversation you’ve ever eavesdropped a rollicking, heartfelt, and utterly unique novel by an author as original as she is insightful.

Review:

I wasn’t sure what to expect from reading Oye as it was the first novel that I’ve read that exclusively tells a story through phone calls. I’ve read books where stories are told in verse, email, texting, but this format was new and refreshing to me. Though jarring (at first I had to get the hang of Luciana’s cadence) what awaits readers in this novel is a coming-of-age story about family, growing up, finding your identity, and telling your story.

Oye is an incredibly heartfelt and emotional book as there are some serious moments due to Abue’s declining health, Luciana struggling with her sexuality, and the strain that the past as well as distance can put on a family’s relationship. But most of all this novel is full of hilarious moments that will make the reader laugh out loud and put a smile on your face. Abue, by far, is one of the most memorable characters I’ve read so far in 2024 and her character alone was one of my favorite parts of the novel. I loved her vivacious nature and sassiness when it comes to interacting with family and anyone. Her strong spirit reminded me of my own grandma who passed away and I think Abue is someone who will resonate with many who read this novel.

Luciana, who narrates the story, is also an entertaining protagonist and as readers get to know her they become more engrossed in the story. I was curious to see how her journey would progress through the novel as navigates through her own life while being thrust into the role of a sort of caregiver for her grandma. This novel also delves into generational trauma that has been passed down and how it’s also greatly had an impact on Luciana’s life. Learning about her family not only helps her become closer and understand her family but also to be more confident about the woman she wants to be.

All in all, this is a wonderful novel about family and choosing to live life on your own terms. My only complaint is that the novel is a bit longer than it needs to be due to writing style. This is a novel with a lot of heart!

Final Verdict: