Liliana's Invincible Summer

By Cristina Rivera Garza.

In July 1990, Liliana Rivera Garza's life was tragically cut short by her ex-boyfriend's violent actions, transforming what began as a summer of love and adventure into a tale of abuse and heartbreak. In response to her sister's murder, Cristina, Liliana's sibling, pens a memoir that lovingly recounts the hopeful spirit of her younger sister. Returning to Mexico, Cristina endeavours to piece together Liliana's journals and letters, weaving them with the neglected reports of the long-abandoned case.

The narrative unfolds with beautiful and poetic language, delivering a powerful impact. This book serves as both an account of a murder case overlooked by a corrupt criminal system and a deeply personal memoir brimming with love, grief, and anger. Through Cristina's emotional journey, the narrative sheds light on the horrifying prevalence of hate and violence against women, revealing how society tends to normalise such atrocities.

This book, undeniably filled with intense sadness, proves challenging to read at times. Its most potent sections, however, are those composed by Liliana herself—scribbles from her notebook, letters she sent.

Cristina Rivera Garza skilfully captures the essence of her sister, offering a profound understanding of who Liliana was. Interviews with her university friends from that period further contribute to this vivid portrayal, enhancing the narrative with personal insights and memories.

The combination of Liliana's own words and the perspectives of those who knew her adds depth to the emotional journey depicted in the book.

A huge thank you to the author - Cristina Rivera Garza as well as Youssef at Bloomsbury Publishing for the ARC.

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