Magical realism meets sweeping storytelling in this debut novel from Gina Maria Balibrera. This saga follows sisters Graciela and Consuelo, who were raised during the time of El Salvador’s brutal dictator, El Gran Pendejo. These women flee genocide and, each believing the other to be dead, venture across the globe accompanied by a cast of furies, the ghosts of their murdered friends, who aren’t finished telling their stories just yet. This is fascinating and difficult read, as you navigate the horrendous political turmoil and violence that these women face, while also hearing from the women whose voices were meant to be cut off. This felt like Julia Alvarez’s In The Time of The Butterflies in its multiple perspective storytelling and like Isabel Allende’s The House of Spirits with its incorporation of magical realism into a historical fiction read. A very intriguing read that I would recommend.

I was really excited to read this book, but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. I think the biggest problem I had was the use of Spanish words sprinkled in the story made it difficult to immerse myself into the book. As someone who knows only a little Spanish, I found myself having to look up words quite frequently which made the read less enjoyable. I think the author could have done a better job with their imagery so that I really felt and understood the culture of El Salvador. As far as the story itself, I didn't find any of the characters relatable, thus I couldn't truly connect with them which was disappointing because as an elder daughter of immigrants I was hoping to see parts of me within this book. All in all, just wasn't the right book for me, but other people may find it more enjoyable.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of The Volcano Daughters by Gina Maria Balibrera!

As a lover of historical fiction, I was looking forward to reading a book that took place in a country I haven't read much about. Gina Maria Balibrera offers rich cultural and historical details, as well as an interesting way to narrate the story. The story of Consuelo and Graciela is about sisterhood, identity, family, survival, and resilience in the backdrop of El Salvador in the 1920s. This story takes readers to Hollywood, 1940's Paris, and San Francisco.

The book is beautiful and heartbreaking.

I picked this up for the promise of magical realism and historical fiction and it did not disappoint. I loved how it went from location to location, making the characters of Graciela and Consuelo come to life in a brilliant way. The writing is lush and I loved the addition of the ghost narrators as well - it an unique addition to the story. It stands out for a telling of a difficult piece of Central America history as well as the depiction of sisterly bonds and love. It's a fantastic read for those who love the blend of magical realism and historical fiction.

This is a difficult book to rate. I really liked hearing about El Salvador through the eyes of these girls. That was also the most difficult part of the book. The audiobook was really well done, and the narrators were a perfect fit for the story. I feel like if story had moved a bit more quickly I would have been able to pay closer attention. This was one of those books I could only read a few pages of here and there before I moved on to another book that held my interest.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

DNF 35%

I really wanted to love this book. I love the whole premise and the cover is so beautiful. I think it has a lot of potential, and I do look forward to seeing what Gina María Balibrera will write in the future because her writing is very evocative and sets the scene very well. Unfortunately, this book just is not jiving for me. I may try again at a later date, but I’m struggling to hold onto focus and want to keep reading. It’s very strange, but definitely a strange that has potential to be very interesting and thinky. For me, though, it’s just hitting that weird and confused state of mind.

DNF — sorry, not interested and can’t keep the characters straight. Only went until about 5% when I admitted this is not the book for me. It’s too slow!

I am going to preface this review with - I think I need to accept I am not a historical fiction reader.

The first 40% of the book was slow but I loved the visuals of a village of women amongst a volcano and the back story of the women and how they came to be there.
Then there was 10% of faster pace when one of the sisters is kidnapped and the other puts a plan together to save her.

Once the story leaves the backdrop of El Salvador I just lost my interest... The story is slow-paced plotwise and I think that is where I am lost.
I need plot to constantly be moving or some dramatic character development which I just wasn't receiving.

I will say, if you love historical fiction and flowery prose than this book is for you!
There are truly beautiful themes and stories told throughout this century span tale.

So, this book is beautiful, but I think I may like my books more surface level and action packed :)

The Volcano Daughters by Gina Maria Balibrera was such an intriguing work of historical fiction for me, as I did not have much familiarity with early 20th-century El Salvador. It's a story of sisterhood laced with tragedy and a dash of magical realism. It's a strong debut, and I will look forward to more from this author.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this advanced reader's edition. Unfortunately, I will not be able to give it the time required to write a thorough review and will be unable to read it for this purpose.

3.5/5

It took me a little to get into the story. At first, it was a little confusing with the four narrators, but once you get used to that, the story is engrossing! While it may seem a little clunky at the beginning, The Volcano Daughters is well worth the effort.

I appreciate stories that transport me to another country, culture, and time. Before reading this, I knew nothing about El Salvador's history. I love when books prompt me to find out more information on my own. From Central America to LA, Paris, and San Francisco, The Volcano Daughters will take you on a perilous journey of perseverance and fortitude.

Graciela and Consuelo's story is both depressing and inspiring.It is heartbreaking to watch their struggles. It's interesting to see how the sisters deal with their trauma differently. The horrors of what they experienced are difficult for the reader. I can't imagine how hard it would be for someone who actually lives it.

Read this if you like:
- historical fiction
- stories set in Central America
- stories about sisters overcoming adversity
- little known history

⭐️: 2
DNF. I tried to get into it, but it didn’t hold my interest Maybe I’ll give it another chance at a later time.

I went into this book excited to read it, but I found all the mixed in Spanish to be troublesome for me. I took 5 years of Spanish growing up and could translate a bit of it, but the Spanish was consistently mixed in, and usually slang which was harder to find the translation of.

I DNF'ed this book at 18% because I got bored of looking up the translations and I was struggling to figure out what was happening.

I would only recommend this book if you are fluent in Spanish.

Stories about family through the life of two sisters that weave apart and together again as time passes. This is a story that takes time to get your footing at first and then again half way through... but those adjustments come as the sisters are able to change their paths and take agency over their lives.
There is also a chorus of ghosts, maybe we can call them guides as well, that bring an omniscient narration to the plot.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend to people who like family sagas, political intrigue, coming of age stories and, of course, magical realism!

If you want narration 100% grounded in reality, this is not for you. If you are willing to listen to the narration of dead girls from a small South American town as they observe and influence life after their own life... then this is your book!

Thank you NetGalley and Pantheon for the ARC.

In this fascinatingly complex historical fiction novel, readers travel to 1923 El Salvador where a dictator is rising to power and seeks to solidify his rule both politically and spiritually. Growing up in a community of indigenous women alongside a volcano, Graciela must leave all of this behind and move to the capital as the dictator’s personal oracle. Discovering a secret sister named Consuelo and living this new life trapped under El Gran Pendejo, the two unwittingly aid in his rise to power until his power and violence turns on their home at the base of the volcano. As Graciela and Consuelo separate and disappear to different parts of the world, readers too move from the city and separated sisters to a new and surprising reunion. With fantastic characters and the high stakes of a terrifying and realistic setting, the characters are the star of the novel, especially starting at such an interesting place in their relationship. The fascinating historical setting and the complex character dynamics are really exciting to follow as the stakes increase, and the world-building is absolutely incredible with its vibrant locations and incredible detailing. A fascinating, complex, and exciting historical fiction novel, readers will love this sisterly dynamic and the incredibly high stakes of Graciela and Consuelo’s lives.

The Volcalno Daughters is a deep dive into El Salvadorian culture in a long ago era. Two sisters, united by their parents but separated by forces beyond their control. Graciela and Consuela are set apart, raised differently, in vastly differing circumstances, but are brought together afther their father passes. From there, it's a heartwrenching story of survival filled with horrifying circumstances that leave each sister in heartbreakingly disarray, but they are bonded from voices of their past that whisper and help them keep moving forward as they fortify their indomnitable spirit for survival. A different approach to our cultural literature, but worth reading. and sharing!!!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

First book I’ve read that’s based on El Salvador. I had to google some stuff (ie La Siguanita) because I’m less familiar with Salvadoran cultural history/ traditions/ icons, but overall i was intrigued by the plot.

I took a star because of the use of puchica a bajillion times in places where it doesn’t make sense.

Highly recommend to folks who enjoyed Mexican Gothic or The Hacienda.

The Volcano Daughters was such a great read. I loved the character development and the writing was propulsive. I would read more from this author.

Good cultural book with lots of details. Felt disconnected halfway through when the book takes on a different path. Unique story, but somewhat difficult to follow. My favorite parts of the story were learning about El Salvador and the themes around being a woman. Least favorite was the ending, what was the point? Interesting book but the end was poorly written, which is my favorite part of a book.