Soccer is just something I’m watching more and more, so Furia came at the perfect time. But to say Furia is all about soccer is an understatement. It’s a book about dreams, love, and friendship. At the same time it’s also an important story about femicide, domestic violence, and ambition. Keep reading this book review to read about a book that made me tear up at the end!
Summary
In Rosario, Argentina, Camila Hassan lives a double life.
At home, she is a careful daughter, living within her mother’s narrow expectations, in her rising-soccer-star brother’s shadow, and under the abusive rule of her short-tempered father.
On the field, she is La Furia, a powerhouse of skill and talent. When her team qualifies for the South American tournament, Camila gets the chance to see just how far those talents can take her. In her wildest dreams, she’d get an athletic scholarship to a North American university.
But the path ahead isn’t easy. Her parents don’t know about her passion. They wouldn’t allow a girl to play fútbol—and she needs their permission to go any farther. And the boy she once loved is back in town. Since he left, Diego has become an international star, playing in Italy for the renowned team Juventus. Camila doesn’t have time to be distracted by her feelings for him. Things aren’t the same as when he left: she has her own passions and ambitions now, and La Furia cannot be denied. As her life becomes more complicated, Camila is forced to face her secrets and make her way in a world with no place for the dreams and ambition of a girl like her.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Edelweiss. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: domestic abuse
All Camila wants to do is to pursue her dreams of being a soccer star. In a society still constrained by gender roles of what’s appropriate for girls, and one where women and girls are going missing every day, Camila’s dream is one of ambition. A star daring to streak across the sky through the darkness and shadows. I love an underdog, but even more so a fierce girl daring to live her dream. Struggling to balance our love of home and family with getting out, moving on, and chasing the stars.
Full of action packed soccer games, Furia balances the foreground with Camila’s quests for stardom, while also keeping the background events of the femicide and sexism. Will Camila’s dreams be derailed by the love of her life? Her two competing dreams clashing against each other? Do we chase fleeting moments knowing they run with wings? Part of what I loved about Furia was how emotional Camila’s journey is. There’s ton of action, set backs, and tough decisions, but, at the same time, it’s relatable and emotional.
It’s a story that reminds Camila that her decisions don’t always feel like her own. Like the weight of her family lays on her shoulders. How much obligation do we have to our family and community as we continue chasing comets? The ways we are tied to our parent’s expectations, histories, and dreams. But also the journey to figure out where our own truths lie.
Without spoilers, Furia is a story about ambition and agency. About chasing your dreams and streaking down the field, letting your passion burst free. The pacing towards the end was pretty hasty, and I wish there was a little more exploration of the side characters I loved, but Furia is a book that made me tear up! It was just the right emotion to hit me in the feels. When you finish it, message me!
Find Furia on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.