In Lost in Oaxaca, author Jessica Winters Mireles gives us a story that mixes romance, adventure, and an exploration of the human condition with just enough suspense to keep things interesting. More, she weaves these components into a seamless whole and a compelling story.

We initially meet our protagonist, Camille, on a bus in Mexico, but just after our initial meeting, we are treated to the first of many flashbacks exploring her earlier life. This method of telling a story from both ends and the same time is not new, but in Mireles’s hands it doesn’t feel anything but organic.

Mireles is particularly adept at both giving us the essence of a character with comparatively little backstory – we get a sense of who Alejandro is from his very first appearance, for example – and writing truthful dialogue. While I’ve never been to Oaxaca, I’ve spent an extensive amount of time in Baja Sur, on the Pacific side of Mexico, and I really appreciated the way Spanish words and phrases were used to lend authenticity to the characters, without ever seeming like the author was either pandering or creating stereotypes rather than real people.

Overall, Lost in Oaxaca is a gripping story with vivid, dimensional characters whom we care about from the first page.

Goes well with: chicken mole, blue corn tortillas and Bohemia beer.

3.5 stars rounded up.

This story grew on me and so did the characters. For the first part of it, I thought it might be just a predictable romance and I was okay with that, I needed something a little lighter and uplifting. I was right about the predictable romance part. However, there was so much more here than that, with some tough themes such as abuse and also a portrayal of the relevant issue of immigration, Dreamers and the dangers faced by those seeking refuge and safety. It was also a look at another culture, another place at a time when reading a good book allows us to travel at a time when actual travel is not such an attractive thing during this difficult time.

Camille Childs teaches piano since her career as a concert pianist was cut off when she sustains an injury to her hand, the cause of which we don’t know until later in the story. She spends her days living in a guest house owned by her very well to do mother, giving lesions and putting her efforts into a special gifted student, the daughter of her mother’s housekeeper. When her student disappears to Mexico, Camille is intent on finding her so she can get the recognition due to her as a gifted musician. I didn’t really connect with Camille at this point getting the impression that she was doing it more for herself than her student. I didn’t like her controlling mother very much either . I didn’t like the guy she meets in Mexico who helps her when there’s a storm and she loses everything she had with her when they must evacuate a bus. I almost gave it but, but I’m so glad I didn’t because at some point when their stories are more fully revealed and when their characters become more fully realized , my opinion of all Camille, her mother and Alejandro changed drastically. The story comes to life and I definitely was interested in knowing what would happen. There was so much more to them than I initially thought and I was captivated by their goodness and generosity and how they changed some people’s lives.

I had to round it up because I went from thinking this was a light read to thinking about some relevant issues, always a good thing to get a view on things that happen to others that is out of our own experience.

I received an advanced copy of this book from She Writes Press through NetGalley.

An unusual story of a woman finding herself in ways she could not have imagined. Set in beautiful Oaxaca it takes us into the hearts, not only of Camille, but of the local people. Beautifully and evocatively written and wamly recommended.

Very readable and enjoyable. A strong plot with characters that will linger with you. Sad and poignant at times. Definitely worth picking up and adding to your TBR pile. Happy reading!

A quick read romance with an unlikable heroine who becomes tolerable. A piano teacher goes to Oaxaca to find her prize pupil and finds love. Very good when describing the culture but weak with predictability. Lightly tackles some heavy subjects like immigration, the Dreamers, class distinction and stereotypes. I enjoyed the musical and cultural references.

Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley

Lost in Oaxaca is worth reading for the beautiful descriptions of the scenery and culture of Oaxaca. It's also worth reading for its exposition of white privilege and how it often is manifested when white Americans travel. The protagonist confronts her privilege and learns much about herself in the process, although her transformation is as quick and as complete as if we were trying to wrap this up in a 30 minute TV show. Nevertheless, this could be an effective tool for a book club discussion on the topic.