Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.

Wow. This book was an unexpected pleasure from beginning to end. I was just amazed by the rolling storyline as it showed it is possible to have redemption and overcome life's obstacles. From Elena's story to Cecilia's (and her mother's), I am in awe but not really shock, about the misfortunes they encountered by simply being women in this world. From the public humiliation to the degradation, it is a ever present unfortunate reality that we still face today. However, Cristiane Lima was able to highlight the resilience of every female character and hopefully their stories of triumph, no matter how small can inspire other women. We see women rise from poverty by working hard or lending a helping hand to other women no matter how little they have, and through this network they gradually raise the collective. I also love the storytelling style that Lima employs, some parts are written being read from a journal, and in other parts she intermingles Brazilian words and customs. I am left curious with the end, in regards to the future of Cecilia. But I guess one day, just as Cecilia did for Elena, I might read the memoirs of another young woman who reveals what became of Cecilia Maria Medeiros da Silva.

This novel spanned generations between Brazil and the United States, as complex characters demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, providing closure for past wrongs.