Olga Dies Dreaming
.png) First edition cover | |
| Author | Xochitl Gonzalez |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Flatiron Books |
Publication date | January 4, 2022 |
| Publication place | United States |
| ISBN | 1-250-78617-7 |
Olga Dies Dreaming is the debut novel of American writer Xochitl Gonzalez. It was published by Flatiron Books in January 2022.
Writing and development
[edit]The idea for the novel occurred to Gonzalez on the Q train in New York City while reading the book The Battle for Paradise by Canadian author Naomi Klein and listening to the song "Rican Beach" by Hurray for the Riff Raff.[1] After leaving the train, Gonzalez went to a Starbucks location, where she wrote the basic concept of the plot on a napkin.[1] The book's title alludes to the Pedro Pietri poem "Puerto Rican Obituary".[2]
While writing, Gonzalez eschewed explaining aspects of Puerto Rican culture for a broader audience, drawing inspiration from the "[...] inside baseball" jokes in Paul Beatty's novel The Sellout.[3]
Critical reception
[edit]In a review in The Washington Post, Ron Charles wrote, "rarely does a novel, particularly a debut novel, contend so powerfully and so delightfully with such a vast web of personal, cultural, political and even international imperatives."[4] Kirkus Reviews called the book "atmospheric, intelligent, and well informed: an impressive debut."[5] The novel was chosen as a Notable Book by the American Library Association in 2025.[6]
Adaptation
[edit]Hulu ordered a pilot for a show based on the novel in early 2021.[7] Gonzalez and Alfonso Gómez-Rejón are producing the pilot which will star Aubrey Plaza as Olga and Ramon Rodriguez as her brother, Prieto.[8][9]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Pineda, Dorany (January 4, 2022). "From poor kid to elite wedding planner to debut author: Xochitl Gonzalez feels 'divine'". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ Shipstead, Maggie (January 10, 2022). "The Daughter of a Revolutionary Becomes a Wedding Planner. Drama Ensues". The New York Times. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
- ^ González-Ramírez, Andrea (January 10, 2022). "The Liberation of Olga". The Cut. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
- ^ "Review | Say 'I do' to Xochitl Gonzalez's 'Olga Dies Dreaming'". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
- ^ OLGA DIES DREAMING | Kirkus Reviews.
- ^ Notable Books List American Library Association.2025.
- ^ Zorrilla, Mónica Marie (April 29, 2021). "Hulu Orders Nuyorican Sibling Drama Pilot 'Olga Dies Dreaming' With Xochitl Gonzalez and Alfonso Gómez-Rejón Producing". Variety. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (August 2, 2021). "Aubrey Plaza to Star in Hulu Drama Pilot 'Olga Dies Dreaming'". Variety. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (August 4, 2021). "Ramon Rodriguez Joins Aubrey Plaza in Hulu's 'Olga Dies Dreaming'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 5, 2022.