Falise

I never had the pleasure to read Marisa’s literary smash Love Walked In, so when the opportunity came to have her join us on 24/8 it was a big green light. The writing that introduced these characters created three dimensional characters versus those just on the pages. The writing was authentic, descriptive and captured many feelings, emotions and themes: pettiness, friendship, loss, happiness, judgment, jealousy, beginnings and endings and belonging to name a few that are part of life.

This is not an explosive book or plot, it sort of sneaks up on you. It is life and in some spots maybe a bit too much reality. But I came to know and care about each of the main characters and was drawn to the book for more. There seem to be separate storylines that felt very random and just as I was used to their randomness, they all started to mesh. The process of bringing the stories together was slow and deliberate and perhaps I should have caught on a bit sooner.

I found myself reaching for this book even when I finished a chapter and needed to get to another pressing matter in my life. This is an excellent read and I think you will enjoy the story, the characters and the opportunity to follow along on these particular journeys. It is not a light book but it is not without light moments and real human emotions and connections. But if you are seeking a well written and finely crafted read this is an excellent pick.

JoAnne

At first blush, Belong to Me feels and reads like a simple love story. But there is nothing simple about the lives, the emotions and the relationships that Marisa de los Santos has brought top life.

Cornelia Brown is the main voice that we hear in the middle of three interwoven stories. As she and her husband decide on a new life, they move from the city to the suburbs. Cornelia starts this new phase by having to dealing with Piper, the status guardian and critical neighbor. But, thankfully, a pasta craving brings her to the attention of a supportive new friend, “Lake”. All three characters are working with and around life changing secrets. You can easily guess some of them, but, a few twists will still keep you guessing. Children are the operative catalysts (aren’t they always) and of course the reason that so many choices are made, and situations created.

But, the real power of the novel is in the rich descriptions, and the multi layered characters. There were moments that I wanted to jump in the novel and surround myself with them. These are women who know how to support each other, and defend themselves against belonging, and not belonging. Marisa de los Santos, has written a beautiful poetry/prose novel. In fact it is so beautifully written that at times, you have to stop reading and just let the words seep in.

Now that I met Cornelia and know how her story turns out, I am looking forward to seeing how she started out. (Love Walked In) I confess, I can’t wait to read and hear the rhythm of de los Santos’ words. I’m going to indulge myself, I know Marisa and I belong.