Bitter Grounds
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1997
445
Novel • Fiction
El Salvador • 1930s-1970s
1997
Adult
18+ years
Bitter Grounds by Sandra Benitez traces the multigenerational saga of two Salvadoran families—one wealthy, the other impoverished—against the backdrop of the nation's coffee industry and political turmoil, highlighting the intersecting lives, loves, and losses of women from both classes as they navigate survival and identity through decades of social upheaval. The book contains graphic depictions of violence, including mass murder.
Melancholic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Inspirational
1,024 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sandra Benitez's Bitter Grounds is praised for its rich, evocative portrayal of three generations of women in El Salvador, blending historical events with personal narratives. While lauded for its deep character development and cultural insight, some reviewers find the pacing slow in parts. Overall, it is celebrated for its emotional depth and authenticity.
A reader who delves into complex family sagas and historical fiction would enjoy Bitter Grounds by Sandra Benitez. Fans of Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits or Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude will appreciate the novel’s rich narrative, exploring themes of resilience, cultural upheaval, and the bonds between women.
1,024 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
445
Novel • Fiction
El Salvador • 1930s-1970s
1997
Adult
18+ years
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