Young Adult Fiction: Hear Ye Mortals by Yamile Saied Méndez

Author of 2020's Furia has released another young adult novel set in Argentina, but this time during the political tumult of the late 1970s. The Aguirre brothers love music, and love making music with their friends. But during a time when musicians are considered enemies of the state, they have to think of their friends and loved ones, while also wanting to rebel against the forces that want them to stay quiet.

The Situation: Adrián cannot imagine a life without his brother Daniel. Together, the two of them write songs (Daniel the music, Adrián the lyrics) for their band. Along with three other friends, they practice regularly and look for opportunities to break out. When Adrián writes a song that references pigs, many warn that he has to change the lyrics, as the police will believe the song is about them. The boys insist it is not, but the song mysteriously reaches the airwaves, becoming popular overnight, and can be heard from every radio in seemingly every house and store in Rosario. Daniel is thrilled, while Adrián is cautiously optimistic about what this could mean.

The Problem: The boys have been warned that to take ownership of the song could mean bad news, and when one of their bandmates goes missing, they fear their innocent song has brought real problems to their friends and family. With curfews being enforced; people being dragged into green cars; libraries being destroyed; and school clubs being canceled with those involved being brought in for questioning; Adrián fears that at any moment, he or Daniel may be next. But surely running and/or hiding cannot be the answer. Making music can be their way of taking part in the resistance. However, those in power are ready to inflict unspeakable pain on anyone they choose, and the Aguirre brothers must not only think about themselves, but their friends and family as well.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult novel set in Rosario, Argentina in 1976, beginning during the reign of Isabel Perón. At the start of the book, the situation is already dangerous, but things get worse once Perón is removed from power, and a military junta is installed. At the center of the novel are the two Aguirre boys, Daniel and Adrián, who lead their band and write the songs they play, including the one that ends up becoming a song of protest for the people in Argentina. The book mentions the curfews, the disappearance (and subsequent interrogations via torture) of the people, and the government's attempts to destroy libraries, books, and knowledge, all told through a mysterious narrator.

My Verdict: While my knowledge and enjoyment of the author's previous book is what ultimately led me to this one, I was also intrigued by the title, which is lifted directly from Argentina's national anthem. The story is fast-paced and with many characters right from the start. There are so many that it is easy to get confused at first, but everyone is soon easily distinguishable, with their own traits and flaws and history. The choice to have the narrator telling the story to an uninvolved third party is an interesting one, but it works well to bring more attention to what was happening in Argentina at the time. Readers are invited into a story of hope during a time when having hope could seem foolish, even reckless.

Favorite Moment: Near the beginning of the book, the musicians figure out what the name of their band should be, and it is perfect.

Favorite Character: Adrián is a soft-hearted young man who simply wants to write and play music with his brother, and be around the people he loves. Unfortunately, he lives during a time where even these two simple things are not allowed.

Recommended Reading: The historical fiction novel The House of the Spirits by Isabelle Allende is a very different novel, but could make for an interesting follow-up.