Reviews
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It is a remarkable work! You have captured so much of what life in El Salvador was like between 1930 and 1965. While I have never been there, you may recall that I have a friend who was from one of the 14 families and much of what you relate reinforces what I learned from her about what her family's experience was like. By taking the mind and voice of Leona, you were able to describe in exceptional detail the lack of trust between the patrons and those on their fincas and this is a feature that gives the reader an amazing historical experience and an opportunity to live through that time. I was also delighted that you even included a brief reference to Thessaloniki where we lived for several years and I applaud you for that as well.
What impressed me most, however, is how you turned your novel into an epistle of sorts on how social and economic equality has shaped our world. This deeper meaning behind the story is the message that I will carry with me forever. You are an inspiration for all of us in how you turned the narrative of your novel into a statement on how the perpetuation of social differences can drag down an entire culture in a specific geographic region. Now, we will just have to wait for the sequel as I believe there is much more to learn from Leona as she advances through her life with her family.
Please know of my congratulations for telling an extraordinary story with a compelling message.
Hans
Dear Irving, I loved your book. It was easy to read and so fascinating. Because you lived in Central and South America, you have so much insight about that part of the world. Also, being that we just returned from South America, I found the book even more interesting. I loved the story. You really have a gift for writing. You portrayed the culture to a tee. Clyde and I have been all over South America over the past 30 years and we love it there.
I loved the book and am so glad I got it.
Gail
I wanted to let you know that I have just completed reading Manana is Yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed it and your book gave a fascinating insight into a part of the world of which, prior to “Two Lifetimes As One,” I had no particular knowledge. I saw how you weaved into the narrative some of the sorts of characters that you no doubt knew and had dealings with over your long career in South and Central America. Whilst we learned about Leona’s upbringing and life and delved into her mind, we also discovered much about the culture of the Central American countries and how much the original Spanish colonization set the scene for society there for centuries.
Also, having set us up with a huge “problem” in the first chapter, you kept us guessing about how, or even if, it was going be resolved by Leona all the way to the end.
Dawn is now planning to read Manana is Yesterday during the long flight to San Francisco and my money is on her finishing it in one go as she is a much faster reader than me once she gets into a story with compelling characters such as Leona, Mr Borakas and Granmama!
Best wishes
Martin
Dear Irving, I finished Manana is Yesterday today. I really enjoyed it and, as always, am blown away by all of your endeavors. It is such a sad story and I think emblematic of the many, many times that the elite in Latin America (and the US!) have missed opportunities to use their personal leadership to shift history for the better. At the same time, I know there are equally as many times that individuals have been able to put us on a better path.
Regards,
Melissa