America Is Not the Heart by Elaine Castillo is a poignant and multi-layered novel that explores identity, immigration, and family through the lens of Hero De Vera, a woman who arrives in the Bay Area from the Philippines. Having survived political turmoil and personal trauma, Hero finds herself grappling with her past as a rebel fighter and her future in a family trying to assimilate into American society. The book delves into themes of cultural displacement, queer love, generational conflicts, and the struggles of building a life amidst unresolved histories. With its rich prose and vibrant characters, the novel paints a nuanced picture of Filipino-American lives, the complexity of diaspora, and the enduring power of love and resilience. Reviews Vogue: “A saga rich with origin myths, national and personal . . . Castillo is part of a younger generation of American writers instilling literature with a layered sense of identity.” This highlights the novel's exploration of complex cultural and personal identities. NPR: “This is one of those books that digs in deep, that sees worlds in every cell of a character's body. It leaves the reader a little raw, but not destroyed — instead, uncertain in the best way, about the limits of where we come from and who we can be.” NPR praises the book's emotional depth and expansive storytelling. Bookreporter.com: “Confident, rich, and wide-ranging, America Is Not the Heart is an important story told by a bold new writer.” This review emphasizes the boldness of Castillo's narrative and its wide-reaching impact
Book Title: America Is Not the Heart - Elaine CastilloBook Genre: Historical Fiction, Queer, LGBT, Literary Fiction, ContemporaryISBN: 9781786491336Number of Pages: 408Publishing Date: April 3, 2018Cover Type: Paperback
