As a follow-up to her 2022 novel Neruda on the Park, author Cleyvis Natera has given readers The Grand Paloma Resort. Mostly set in and around a luxury hotel in the Dominican Republic, the staff must navigate the demands and whims of the wealthy guests, while maintaining a facade of exclusivity and the highest quality, even as a storm approaches, and the country continues to experience unrest.
The Situation: Nothing would make Laura happier than if her younger sister could get it together. When Elena shows up with the unconscious body of the little girl she was supposed to be watching, it is the last thing Laura needs as a mid-level manager at the resort they both work at. Laura has done everything to make sure that Elena has the best path forward in life, especially since they only have each other. With their mother long dead and a father that abandoned them for life in the U.S, Laura has put her desires, and sometimes her humanity, aside so that she could climb the corporate ladder and provide for her sister. But now everything is about to come crashing down, and all because Elena cannot seem to pay attention long enough to not be a problem.
The Problem: Laura can only think to call on a friend for help with the young injured girl, though that friend wants nothing to do with the entire situation. Meanwhile, Elena continues to rely on pills supplied to her by another hotel employee, and eventually ends up at the bar of a friend. But after another round of poor decisions and planning, two local girls go missing, and it might be Elena's fault. Over the course of seven days, Laura and her sister, along with several other staff members and many guests, will have varied experiences at The Grand Paloma Resort, proving that at this hotel, 'paradise' means something different to everyone.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of fiction set in the Dominican Republic at The Grand Paloma Resort, where sisters Laura and Elena work. While Laura is determined and driven, even to a fault, Elena is only concerned with her next escape, whether it is via drugs, or an actual physical escape from the hotel, the island, or even life altogether. At the forefront is life at the hotel, but the hotel successfully hides the truth of life on the island, including the crime, poverty, and social, civil, and political unrest. Laura must continually make the choice between what is clearly the right thing to do, and what must be done to secure the future of both her and and her sister. No decision is easy, and with each trial, Laura is less and less sure of who she is.
My Verdict: When the characters in this book were not getting on my nerves, then the messy plot and awkward pacing certainly were. Nearly everyone is unlikeable in this book, and also seemingly determined to make the worst possible decisions. At a certain point, I was fine when something terrible happened to most of them as they mostly brought it on themselves. And the social commentary was not only heavy-handed, but also awkwardly placed throughout the narrative. There is a reveal about three-fourths of the way in that did not seem worth the effort, but I will say that at least the ending is not ambiguous, and does provide real answers.
Favorite Moment: There was something about the Zoom meeting calls Laura has with her boss that made me chuckle, if only because of how closely they mirror the truth of working post-COVID.
Favorite Character: In a sea of characters with few redeeming qualities, Vida is like a bright spot in the darkness.
Recommended Reading: For something that feels like a beach read, but still deals with some heavy topics, I recommend Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez.
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