Mofongo

Mofongo, authored by Cecilia Samartin, is a beautifully written novel that explores the bond between a young boy and his grandmother. Sebastian has a heart condition that leaves him small for his age and unable to participate in normal physical activities with his peers. Always sheltered and treated differently, it is only after his beloved grandmother suffers a stroke and experiences her own life changes that Sebastian begins to explore life more and discovers a strength he didn’t know he had. Already close to his abuela (grandmother), they forge a strong bond over a love of cooking after school. The only word I can find to accurately describe my thoughts about this book is beautiful. The story is rich and filled with delicious descriptions of meals from Puerto Rico, stories from the island and the love a young boy has for life as he learns to live it. At times sad but most often heart-warming, this is one of those stories that gives you a warm feeling inside. Sebastian is a loveable little guy who has the reader cheering him on from the start. It’s hard to put down so it is a fast read and very enjoyable. I’m so glad I had the chance to enjoy Mofongo.