39 pages • 1 hour read
Prayers for the Stolen
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Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
Mexico • Contemporary
2014
Adult
18+ years
HL800L
Super Short Summary
Prayers for the Stolen by Jennifer Clement follows Ladydi Martinez, a young girl living in the Guerrero mountains of Mexico, where she and other girls hide to avoid being kidnapped by drug traffickers. Despite their efforts, her friend Paula is taken. After various hardships, Ladydi leaves the village to work as a nanny in Acapulco, but is falsely accused of murder and imprisoned. Sensitive topics include sex trafficking, drug violence, and incarceration.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Unnerving
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
11,221 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jennifer Clement's Prayers for the Stolen is lauded for its poignant portrayal of survival in a dangerous Mexican village, blending lyrical prose with raw themes. Some critics, however, find the narrative bleak and the pacing uneven. Nonetheless, its powerful storytelling and emotional depth make it a compelling read.
Who Should Read Prayers for the Stolen?
Readers who enjoy Prayers for the Stolen by Jennifer Clement appreciate gritty, poignant narratives focused on marginalized voices, particularly women in narco-violence-torn Mexico. Fans of The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende or The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez will find this novel compelling.
11,221 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Rita (Ladydi's Mother)
Rita (Ladydi's Mother)
A strong-minded and imaginative woman who balances her comical vengeance with the ongoing hope for her missing husband's return, highlighting her resilience and practicality in the face of adversity.
Maria
Maria
A fearless and unconventional girl with a harelip that sets her apart in the village, she defies traditional expectations and uses her unique circumstances to confront challenges and evade danger.
240
Novel • Fiction
Mexico • Contemporary
2014
Adult
18+ years
HL800L
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