Stranger by David Bergen (A Review by Hannah Boers)

Rating: 4.5/5

I loved Stranger from start to finish. It’s a beautiful story that follows Íso, a woman working at a fertility clinic in Guatemala who ends up pregnant amongst desperate clients. A story so rooted in motherhood, reveals Íso’s struggle to reclaim her stolen child. It is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Íso embarks on a journey to the United States to find her daughter and the narrative quickly turns into a tale of immigration. Íso’s conflict-ridden travels from Guatemala to the United States are so beautifully written that you can feel her desperation and pain while getting a deeper understanding of love, loss, and family.

This may seem like a heavy read, and there’s no doubt that it is, but there are also many uplifting elements. The fact that the main character Íso is an unrelentingly strong, independent woman makes this an inspirational read. Although at times, you are left cringing at some situations she is put in and the choices she makes, you can’t help but admire her bravery. David Bergen has written a story that captures the human spirit, and more importantly, the maternal bond.

This book would be an excellent choice for the Girly Book Club. It is a captivating read that pulls at your heartstrings. The characters reveal both the evil and compassionate sides of humanity.

A Review by Hannah Boers