In the Time of the Americans

In The Time Of The Americans is a historical fiction saga that gave me the opportunity to learn abouts aspects of twentieth-century Puerto Rican history through the intertwining lives of three generations. I liked how Oswald Rivera managed to have the Benitez and Walker families continue to mesh with each other, yet without this device ever seeming contrived. I particularly enjoyed the earlier history as seen through Antonio's eyes as he is striving to set himself up as a successful businessman in Ponce, Puerto Rico, despite not having been born or raised on the island. I felt Antonio's viewpoints gave me a good understanding of everyday Puerto Rican lives and culture at the time. The American 'invasion' is, obviously, a harbinger of future decades, but nobody really seems to fully realise that - on either side.

The poignant fragmentation of Antonio and Octavio's friendship as nationalism drives a wedge between them was well portrayed so each viewpoint was clear to me. As restrictive American rules took a greater toll on the lives of Ponce's inhabitants, Octavio's anger seemed ever more justified, yet I could also see Antonio's point about American money keeping the island more affluent than his native Italy. I also appreciated Rivera's portrayals of Ponce's women and that they weren't just shallow afterthoughts. Milagros and doña Saro particularly have strong storylines and it might be interesting to follow Milagros' life in a sequel novel. I did think that In The Time Of The Americans lost its way somewhat when its focus switched to the youngest generation though. I was disappointed that these characters didn't have the same depth as their parents and grandparents, and one long dialogue scene in particular was very stilted and awkward. It's a shame as, up to about three-quarters of the way through I was gripped by this novel and glad that I had chosen to take a chance on it.