Official Review: Citizen Cárdenas by Steve Cole

Yoli García · Post by **Yoli García** » 24 May 2018, 08:43

Part of my family went into exile after Fidel Castro’s communist revolution in Cuba. I am usually interested in books about Cuba. Unfortunately, this story does not get my attention because the Cuban character is a alcoholic and homeless man. I prefer the stories in which Hispanics are portrayed in a better and stronger light. Thanks for the review!

love_b00ks · Post by **love_b00ks** » 24 May 2018, 08:45

Wow, I think this is a rare plot but tackles life the way many of us cannot really relate with although we see homelessness and poverty so often. Your review gave a good insight of the novel and makes me want to read it too. Thanks.

Samy Lax · Post by **Samy Lax** » 24 May 2018, 08:47

This seems to be a perfectly layered story. Add to it the questions we get in our mind about why they suddenly start noticing Gato after all these years, and I am pretty sure I’d love reading this book.

Scerakor · Post by **Scerakor** » 24 May 2018, 08:50

Cole brings to life a character several may simply dismiss as a "social problem." "Gato" is, at any given time, homeless, drunk, or elusive--even to those who do everything they can to help him. Using multiple viewpoints, Cole a life battling bureaucracy, the realities of the homeless in Chicago, and, most of all, the inner demons we deal with on a daily basis.

Cwynn · Post by **Cwynn** » 24 May 2018, 08:50

Thanks for your review. I like first person narratives and alternating narratives always adds depth to the story.

smartboy · Post by **smartboy** » 24 May 2018, 08:53

A family helps a man assumed dead,who needs to prove he is alive to get his benefits,Good narrative writting style.

lesler · Post by **lesler** » 24 May 2018, 09:00

This book is relevant to the times we live in today, and I look forward to reading it.

Mabel6 · Post by **Mabel6** » 24 May 2018, 09:04

Very strong characters. I would like to see Gato prevail and no longer be homeless. I can relate to some of his struggles as an immigrant with two parents that immigrated to America. Look forward to reading.

Helen_Combe · Post by **Helen_Combe** » 24 May 2018, 09:06

Fancy having to stand in front of someone and say ‘I’m not dead’, only to have the say ‘yes, you are.’ A very contemporary novel, since proof of identity is a hot potato currently in the
UK

smartboy · Post by **smartboy** » 24 May 2018, 09:09

surviving as an immigrant in chacago homeless and self inflicted ill-health such an emmotional story i would overlook the errors good review

Kemunto lucy · Post by **Kemunto lucy** » 24 May 2018, 09:10

Sometimes guilt drives people to do good. This sounds like an awesome book and I will definitely read it.

Ayomaamianda · Post by **Ayomaamianda** » 24 May 2018, 09:10

From the review it is obvious you enjoyed the book and the story is an interesting one. Am eager to find out what happened to Gato in the end.

smartboy · Post by **smartboy** » 24 May 2018, 09:13

Hmmm telling someone am not dead and the reply you get is you are dead sounds realy funny,but the story is an emotional one great book

Helpme71 · Post by **Helpme71** » 24 May 2018, 09:15

Cole has started this novel in a very intriguing way, with the fact that Gato is claimed to be dead by Social Security unless he can prove he is alive. This is not my normal type of book to read, but I think I'll give it a shot. I think I'll enjoy it, based on your review. Thank you!

stacie k · Post by **stacie k** » 24 May 2018, 09:20

I’m really interested to read this book. The depth of character and alternating viewpoints make it desirable. The element of mystery in discovering the identity of Gato also adds interest. It’s on my “Want to Read” shelf!