Mona At Sea Review: Fiction Review
Book cover image from Bookshop.org
Elizabeth Gonzalez James’ modern debut novel, Mona at Sea, is the story of Millenial Mona Morales who has the misfortune of entering the workforce at the height of the 2008 economic crisis.
She was top of her class, hard-working, focused, a perfectionist throughout her academic career. She was convinced it would pay off in her dream job and her dream life. Then….well, life happens.
Mona at Sea is a relatable read for more than Millenials. The economic crisis hit hard for most American families, causing financial, mental, and emotional stresses in every part of life. It stirred insecurities and instability within many of us.
We join Mona as she struggles through unemployment while experiencing complexities in adult relationships – her own and those around her.
I chuckled as I read Mona’s encounters with various men throughout the book. Many women have experienced those same horrible assumption-filled first dates and chauvinistic interviews. I wish I had responded with some of the fire Mona gave them. And what woman hasn’t struggled to meet the seemingly perfect standards of mom?
I’ll be honest: I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with the story. It’s well-written and well-plotted. I was very excited to read it when it came across my computer. I was disappointed to find it had a slow start for me.
I struggled to bond with Mona as the heroine. Frankly, there were times I didn’t like her. However, after completing the book, I understand why it was presented that way. It was a direct reflection of how Mona felt about herself and her life.
The story moved as she grew. And I grew to feel protective of her. I threw down my book in frustration on her behalf. I cheered for her. And, like Mona, I found closure and contentment.
I recommend this book for adult readers looking for a story of finding contentment in who we are in this crazy, weird time. It may not be appropriate for younger readers because of the maturity of language, her chosen management strategies for emotional stress, and mature topics.
If you enjoyed this title, check out these books as well: The Gold Persimmon, At Childhood’s End, Fly Girl
Katie Daniels
Katie Daniels is a speech language pathologist in Florida, where she resides with her husband and their pup-child. She has dabbled in professional and personal writing over the years, but only recently began sharing her work with others. She is a proud Florida kid who enjoys meeting new people, seeing new places, and all things related to laughter, travel, faith, Disney, reading, and F.S.U. football. She is easily bribed with donuts or mac ‘n cheese.
She would love to connect on Instagram.
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