I really enjoyed this story about friendships, new and old as well as family. The story kept me intrigued and definitely surprised me with a twist.

Clara remembers that she is 12-years old, and has lived her whole life on a small tropical island. She remembers that her cousin Gaynah has been her best and only friend her whole life, though lately they have been fighting more than usual. She remembers that there are all kinds of bizarre rumors about her uncle, who lives in an abandoned plantation house at the top of the hill, being a witch doctor. She remembers that she used to love surfing and being in the water, though now it terrifies her. But she cannot remember why, or much of anything about the previous summer, something Gaynah constantly makes fun of her for. Clara turns to Rudy, a newcomer to the island, whose bright, adventurous, and generous spirit is just what Clara needs in a friend right now, and may lead her to the person who can help her resolve things with Gaynah and recover her lost memories.

This is a beautiful, touching story that shows the complicated friendship that often develops between cousins, the lasting effects of trauma, grief, and guilt, and recovery. It also explores the insidious effects of jealousy, grief, superstition, gossip, and fear of those that are different, but also the healing power of friendship, acceptance, and forgiveness of others as well as yourself.

This is a very character-driven story, told from Clara's perspective. Adults might guess the ending, but it will likely surprise most younger readers. Parts of it are fairly emotional, as the reader can feel Clara's anger, fear, and frustration, but the ending is satisfying. I would highly recommend this for readers who enjoy character-driven stories that deal with relationships, overcoming loss and trauma, and enjoy an unexpected twist.

The importance of family and community rings true in this heartfelt story of a pre-teens experience with tragedy and grief. The authors use of language and setting quickly wraps the reader up in these life-changing moments shared by many on the island, to learn the true lesson of what one does when life hands you ripened mangoes.

4 stars

WOW, this cover is beautiful, and that is what drew me in to requesting this arc originally; I admit it! I was pleasantly surprised to find that the pages underneath were just as charming.

_When Life Gives You Mangos_ centers on a young girl's experience with forgetting a traumatic event. While there are parts of the novel that feel a bit slow and repetitive in the beginning, it becomes clear why this is a stylistically and thematically relevant choice. Also, the characters and scenery are engaging from the start, so that helps in those sections. When the twist hits at the end, everything comes together nicely, and the messages and character development are incredibly moving and charming.

It's always exciting to see a debut that is this powerful and memorable. I am already excited to read what Getten produces next!