Review: Lucky Broken Girl

Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful, sometimes bittersweet, story of perseverance, friendship, hope, and forgiveness. Definitely worthy of the Pura Bel Pre Medal!

Ruthie's family recently emigrated from Cuba to the U.S. to escape Castro. At first it was difficult, as they didn't speak the language and had to leave everything behind. Finally Ruthie's English is good enough that she is about to be promoted out of the remedial class and her Papi is making enough money to buy her the go-go boots she longs for and himself the car he has always dreamed of. But just as things are looking up, the family is involved in a terrible car accident that leaves Ruthie seriously injured and bedridden for almost a year.

This semi-autobiographical story follows Ruthie's long and difficult recovery, spending 8 months bedridden and in a body cast, and taking another 4 months after that to be able to walk normally again. We see her pain, anger, frustration, hopelessness and as she struggles with her lack of freedom, independence, and dignity; and her fear when she is finally free of her cast but has to learn to trust her leg and walk again.

I love how several cultures are woven into the fabric of this story. Ruthie and her family are secular Jews, but grew up in Cuba, and so brought much of the Cuban culture and language with them, and her neighbors include other immigrants from India, Belgium, and Mexico. As Ruthie learns about them and their cultures, she draws on parts of various faiths for strength and comfort. Ruthie's parents are portrayed as loving, but flawed parents. Her father is quick-tempered, slightly controlling, and perhaps a little insecure, but he does love his family. Her mother loves Ruthie, but has a hard time dealing with the burden of caring for an invalid, and sometimes seems a little selfish and lets her frustration show too much, making Ruthie feel guilty. Her little brother Izzie is extremely sweet and generous, however.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a more thoughtful, character-driven story, and those who enjoy stories of resilience and seeing others face and overcome hardships. Fans of The War That Saved My Life would also like this one.

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