Carmen & Grace by Melissa Coss Aquino

An astounding novel by Puerto Rican writer Melissa Coss Aquino defies expectations of the lives of poor, neglected young Latinx girls, Carmen and Grace, in the Bronx. The two girls are determined to make their own choices and carve the lives they want, together. Original plans for college get sidelined when Grace is taken into the fold of Dona Durka, the queen of an underworld crime gang. Grace is groomed to be her successor, and Carmen follows along Grace’s path. We know it doesn’t end well for Carmen as the first chapter opens with her in prison, but the story of their lives becomes a heart-stopping ride through a world of drugs and crime.

In the first section of the book told by Carmen, we appreciate the bond that ties the two girls, but it is when Grace’s voice takes over, that we come to understand how much of a leader Grace is determined to be; ruthless and hard, but a leader that empowers the women that work with her. She encourages them to develop their inner strengths, including mental focus, collective loyalty, and belief in themselves. Group conversations include discussion of ideas and philosophies, and each is encouraged to pursue their own dream.

There is also a spiritual element, with the traditional stories of the abuela, dream interpretation, and Goddess worship. All emphasize understanding of self and female empowerment, including life messages the reader might take away.

All this combines to make a highly original and powerful novel, with strong characters, confronting language, and violence. Nothing goes as expected; it makes for a surprising and exciting, but also intellectually rewarding read.

Themes: Drug gangs, Crime, Violence, Matriarchy, Sisterhood, Female empowerment, Bronx, Latin American culture, Belonging, Diversity.

Helen Eddy