Speak to Me of Home: A Novel

Ruth Hayes is jarred from her routine upon the news of her daughter Daisy’s accident. Daisy yearned to connect with her roots and had moved to Puerto Rico, where, while beginning her future, she was struck by a car. Ruth notifies her two sons as well as her mother, Rafaela. Despite being born in Puerto Rico, Ruth’s formative years were spent in the mainland US, and she didn’t understand Daisy’s need to relocate. However, the current circumstances necessitate Ruth and family finding a way to Puerto Rico to see Daisy and learn more about her condition. The key to getting there in the aftermath of a major hurricane lies with Rafaela, who has a trick up her sleeve along with a secret or two.

Speak to Me of Home stands out as a powerful statement on the generational divide, familial bonds, and self-identity. Jeanine Cummins (“American Dirt”) imbues her protagonists with resolve and strength. The stirring narrative explores significant elements of the past that shaped the lives of three generations of women-Rafaela, Ruth, and Daisy- that brought them to a life and death moment in 2023, where everyone is present and the drama is at its apex. Cummins’ work represents storytelling at its best.