Liliana's Invincible Summer

by Cristina Rivera Garza
Liliana's Invincible Summer cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 3709
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781526649362
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2023-03-01
  • Reviews: 3

Liliana's Invincible Summer is a deeply moving memoir by Cristina Rivera Garza, which delves into the heartbreaking story of her sister Liliana's murder in 1990. Through a collection of personal artifacts, legal documents, and poignant reflections, Rivera Garza reconstructs her sister's life and the circumstances surrounding her death, highlighting the pervasive issue of femicide in Mexico. The book is not just a personal narrative but a powerful call for justice and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable tragedy./n/n Rivera Garza's meticulous curation of evidence, including handwritten letters, police reports, and architectural blueprints, offers a unique and intimate portrait of Liliana. The memoir is a poignant exploration of grief, memory, and the enduring impact of violence on families and communities. It is also a call to action, demanding accountability and justice for the countless women who have been victims of similar crimes.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-06-25
thoughtful 4.00

The story is acknowledged as sad and difficult but is thoughtfully written, offering a unique perspective on true crime. The author's approach is appreciated for its depth and originality.

The reviewer finds the book to be a challenging but rewarding read, noting its emotional depth and unique approach to true crime. They appreciate the author's thoughtful writing and the different perspective offered. The book is seen as a powerful exploration of a tragic event, with the reviewer highlighting the author's ability to convey the complexities of grief and the search for justice. The emotional resonance of the book is particularly noted, making it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    The story is sad and difficult but thoughtfully written and a different approach to other true crime that I have read.

    I really appreciate Garza's ability to convey the emotional depth of the tragedy.

    This book offers a unique and powerful perspective on a heartbreaking event.

World Literature Today · Ryan Long · 2024-04-11
moving 4.20

The author's writing captures the enormity of the sister's absence through her exploration of the tragedy. The book is noted for its unique structure and emotional depth.

Ryan Long emphasizes how the author's writing captures the immense void left by her sister's murder. The book's structure, which avoids traditional narrative forms, is praised for its ability to convey the complexity of grief and the search for justice. Long appreciates the author's ability to weave together various elements, creating a cohesive and deeply moving account. The book is seen as a powerful exploration of loss and the enduring love between sisters.

Quick quotes

    Rivera Garza's writing expresses the magnitude of Liliana's absence much less by describing her death or the grief of those who loved her than by bringing the reader into the search for her truth.

    The book is a testament to the power of memory and the enduring impact of loss.

    This is a book that lingers in the mind long after reading, offering a profound and moving experience.

The New York Times · 2023-05-09
profound 4.50

The book is praised as one of the most effective portrayals of a murder victim's story, with a unique and impactful approach. The author's writing is commended for its depth and emotional resonance.

The reviewer highlights this book as a standout in the genre, noting its powerful and poignant exploration of a tragic event. They appreciate the author's innovative approach, which brings the victim's story to life in a way that is both respectful and compelling. The emotional depth and the author's ability to convey the magnitude of the loss are particularly noted. This is a book that lingers in the mind long after reading, offering a profound and moving experience.

Quick quotes

    This collaged portrait is one of the most effective resurrections of a murder victim I have ever read (and I have read many).

    Rivera Garza draws a haunting and poignant picture of her sister.

    The book is a testament to the power of memory and the enduring impact of loss.

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