A Tall Dark Trouble: A Heartfelt Dive into Multidimensional Magic
When I first stumbled upon A Tall Dark Trouble by Vanessa Montalban, I felt an instant spark of curiosity. The allure of a contemporary YA fantasy infused with the rich cultural tapestry of a Cuban-American family was just too enticing to resist. And while the book has been labeled as a blend of contemporary fiction and magical realism, I found myself on a delightful journey that veers more toward the paranormal with a heavy dose of educational insight.
At the heart of this unique narrative are the Sanchez sisters—identical twins Delfi and Lela, navigating life’s challenges in Miami. Coming from a lineage rich in both cultural history and magical practices, they encapsulate the struggles of an immigrant family entwined with themes of identity, trauma, and resilience. Their shared secret of being brujas, or witches, places them in a precarious position with their devoutly religious mother, who works tirelessly to keep their family afloat after their father’s absence. This setup immediately drew me in, raising questions about familial bonds and the invisible ties that connect us to our heritage.
What I truly appreciated about Montalban’s writing was her skillful character development. Each character is richly layered, avoiding the pitfall of archetypes. Lela’s quiet, bookish demeanor starkly contrasts with Delfi’s bold, charismatic attitude, making them feel incredibly relatable. Their dynamic becomes a vehicle for exploring their magical heritage, and I found myself rooting for both girls. While Lela wishes to suppress their powers out of fear, Delfi embodies the spirit of curiosity and courage. Their journey is both endearing and a reflection of the complexities of sibling relationships.
Montalban’s pacing is another highlight. Without a dull moment in sight, the rhythm of the narrative flows beautifully, with the climax building naturally. The resolution provided a satisfying balance—neither rushed nor overly prolonged—leaving a sense of closure that resonated deeply with me.
However, there were moments where minor plot points felt disconnected from the main narrative, like Delfi’s sudden mention of her love for dancing, which hadn’t been developed earlier in the story. It left me briefly puzzled, wishing for a clearer connection. Additionally, the title—A Tall Dark Trouble—invokes thoughts of romance, but I found the central theme was more layered, revolving around sisterhood, personal growth, and the reclamation of power rather than a straightforward romantic plot.
Despite these small bumps, the overall experience was incredibly enriching. Montalban seamlessly weaves in history and culture, framing magical practices like Santeria and Regla de Ocha-Ifa within the family saga. The book serves as not just a form of entertainment but also an educational guide, demystifying aspects of Cuban culture that are often simplified or misrepresented.
I wholeheartedly recommend A Tall Dark Trouble to anyone seeking a story that not only thrills with magical elements but also offers a reflection on family, identity, and empowerment. This book is perfect for those who appreciate a blend of positivity and depth—a real palate cleanser after a heavy read. The witch vibes are indeed strong, and I came away from the experience feeling lighter and more connected to the beautiful complexity of culture and family.
5/5 🌟