Review: Speak to Me of Home by Jeanine Cummins
When I first heard about Speak to Me of Home, the latest novel from Jeanine Cummins, I felt an immediate pull. Having been deeply moved by her previous work, American Dirt, I was eager to dive into another narrative that promised to explore the complexities of identity and belonging. This time, Cummins invites us into the lives of three generations of women, each sharing their own unique story woven into the rich fabric of Puerto Rican and American experiences. The novel captures not only the ache of cultural displacement but also the profound strength found in family bonds and storytelling.
At its core, Speak to Me of Home takes us on a journey through the lives of Rafaela, Ruth, and Daisy—three women bound by lineage yet navigating vastly different worlds. Rafaela, the resilient matriarch, relocates from the vibrant streets of San Juan to the heart of St. Louis, yearning for a fresh start. Her journey captures the visceral pain of leaving one’s homeland, rendered in gorgeous, evocative prose that often had me pausing to absorb the vivid imagery. I still find myself reflecting on the opening line: “Rafaela had never cared much for simplicity, and certainly not on her wedding day.” It sets the stage for a character that defies easy categorization amid the complexities she faces in America.
As the narrative unfolds, we meet Ruth, caught in a tug-of-war between her cultural heritage and the desire to fit into her American surroundings. A compelling exploration of assimilation, Ruth’s struggle is portrayed with such empathy that I found myself contemplating my own experiences with identity. Cummins does not shy away from examining the painful loss of language and tradition—elements that shape who we are. The way she captures Ruth’s internal struggles and her complicated feelings regarding her mother’s accent feels uncomfortably familiar and poignant.
Then there’s Daisy, whose return to Puerto Rico becomes the catalyst for familial reflection and healing. Her rediscovery of roots serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of place; it had me reminiscing about my own family’s ties to our homeland. The metaphorical storm that arises, which leaves Daisy critically injured, is both literal and figurative, forcing all three women to confront buried pain and long-standing tensions. The hospital scenes are heart-wrenchingly powerful, showcasing Cummins’ talent for dialogue and internal monologue.
I appreciated that Speak to Me of Home is not just a personal saga; it also provides a broader historical context, seamlessly interweaving the socio-political history of Puerto Rico with present struggles. This thoughtful layering deepens the narrative, inviting readers to engage with larger themes without feeling overwhelmed. Themes of resilience, trauma, and the intricate dance between personal and collective identity resonate across cultures and generations.
While I found the book moving overall, I did feel that pacing lagged in certain sections. Some subplots seemed less essential to the main narrative, and there were moments where character development could have been more robust. However, these minor critiques do not overshadow the emotional weight of the story.
In conclusion, Speak to Me of Home is a powerful exploration of the immigrant experience, family heritage, and what it truly means to find one’s place in the world. It resonates with anyone who has ever grappled with identity or the sense of belonging—topics that are incredibly relevant in today’s society. This novel will definitely appeal to readers who cherish deeply felt, beautifully written narratives that reflect the complexities of family life. For me, reading this book was not just an experience but an invitation to reflect on my own roots and the stories that shape who we are. Jeanine Cummins has undoubtedly solidified her place as a master storyteller, capable of illuminating the universal truths within deeply personal journeys.