Sabrina & Corina

by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
Sabrina & Corina cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Short Story Collections
Technical
  • ID: 3738
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780525511311
  • Publisher: One World
  • Published: 2019-04-02
  • Reviews: 3

Kali Fajardo-Anstine's Sabrina & Corina is a powerful meditation on friendship, mothers and daughters, and the deep-rooted truths of our homelands. Set against the backdrop of Denver, Colorado, these stories feature Latina characters of Indigenous ancestry navigating their lives with caution, grace, and quiet force. Each tale delves into the complexities of ancestry, heritage, and the universal experiences of abandonment and home. The collection has been widely acclaimed, winning the American Book Award and being named a finalist for the National Book Award, among other honors. /n/n The stories in Sabrina & Corina are both haunting and illuminating, with characters that are as strong as they are scarred by the violations of their homelands, culture, and bodies. From a sex worker and her daughter seeking a new life in California to a woman returning to a gentrified city after prison, these narratives are rich with emotional depth and cultural resonance. Fajardo-Anstine's masterful storytelling and unforgettable characters make this collection a standout in contemporary literature.

Reviews
Deedi Reads · 2025-07-05
excellent 4.50

The collection of short stories about Latinas of indigenous ancestry is praised for its depth and enjoyment. Each story offers a unique perspective that resonates with the reader.

This reviewer was thoroughly impressed with the collection, highlighting that each story was engaging and well-crafted. They appreciated the diverse experiences of Latinas of indigenous ancestry, finding each narrative compelling and thought-provoking. The reviewer's enthusiasm suggests a deep connection with the characters and their stories, making it a standout collection.

Quick quotes

    This is a collection of really, really good short stories about Latinas of indigenous ancestry.

    There wasn't a single one I didn't enjoy, and each story brought something unique to the table.

    The author's ability to capture the essence of each character's journey is truly remarkable.

Just One More Pa(i)ge · 2019-12-17
good 4.00

The story offers insightful observations on motherhood and life, making it both interesting and thought-provoking without being overly heavy.

This reviewer found the story to be a lovely and engaging read, particularly appreciating the observations on motherhood that provoke deeper thinking. They enjoyed how the narrative balanced lightheartedness with meaningful insights, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience. The reviewer's positive tone suggests a warm reception of the book's themes and characters.

Quick quotes

    This is a lovely little story with some observations on motherhood that get you thinking.

    It's interesting, but nothing too heavy topically, which makes it an easy and enjoyable read.

    The characters and their journeys are beautifully crafted, adding depth to the narrative.

Fiction Writers Review · 2019-05-20
intriguing 4.20

The book explores the divergent paths of two cousins, highlighting the complexities of their relationships and choices.

This reviewer delved into the intricate dynamics between the cousins Sabrina and Corina, appreciating how their differing choices and opportunities lead them down separate paths. The narrative's exploration of their relationships and the complexities of their lives is seen as a strength, making the book a compelling read. The reviewer's analysis suggests a nuanced understanding of the characters and their journeys.

Quick quotes

    Sabrina and Corina are cousins who, while once close as children, grow apart as their differing choices and opportunities lead them down divergent paths.

    The author masterfully captures the nuances of their relationships and the impact of their decisions.

    This book offers a deep and insightful look into the lives of its characters, making it a memorable read.

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