Book of Genesis?

I’m not sure if it’s because it was translated from Spanish or because it jumped around so much, but I had a really hard time getting into this book. The names were so similar that I was always a little confused. At least, I was at first.
I read the back of the book and the New York Times review began by saying it was “the first piece of literature since the Book of Genesis that should be required reading for the entire race”. I’m not convinced that’s true, but it made me realize this should be read more as a history than as a novel. There’s really not a plot, and once you accept that, the book goes a lot faster.
But you’ll also have to accept the fact that it contains just as much tragedy as the bible. I guess the reality is that no one is going to be devoid of hardship and trials, but their choices seem to lead to a lot of these tragedies. Amaranta’s bitterness and everyone’s promiscuity and selfishness just seem to perpetuate sadness in their family.
I have a feeling things won’t end well, but maybe the last one hundred pages will surprise me….