Unveiling Klara’s Journey: A Dive into Sigue mi voz
When I first picked up Sigue mi voz by Ariana Godoy, I was intrigued by not only the premise but also the author’s ongoing exploration of mental health—an obsession that has become a recognizable theme in her work. As someone who was initially put off by A Través de mi Ventana, I approached this new title with cautious curiosity, wondering if I was about to be swept into yet another whirlwind of emotions, or if I might just find a readable escape. Spoiler alert: it was both.
Sigue mi voz centers on Klara, a girl grappling with the heavy shadows of depression and anxiety following her mother’s death. It’s a profound topic, and Godoy’s portrayal of Klara’s struggles feels both intimate and relatable. Klara’s only respite is a radio show titled “Sigue mi Voz,” where her connection to a voice named Kang provides glimmers of light in her darkness. As her sister, Kamila, nudges her back into the world, the story takes us through a delectable mix of hope and despair, making you root for Klara while feeling the weight of her burdens.
The first half of the book had me captivated—not just due to Klara’s complex feelings but also because Godoy’s storytelling grew more nuanced. I felt that she had turned a page in her writing style, moving away from the superficiality of her earlier works. There’s a particular quote that stood out to me: “Las personas solo pueden apreciarte con la capacidad en la que se aparecían a sí mismas.” This line resonated deeply, highlighting how our understanding of others is often colored by our own experiences and struggles.
However, as I delved into the second half, I found myself on shaky ground. Once Klara ventured back into the school environment, her character morphed into something almost unrecognizable. Suddenly, all the depth painstakingly built in the beginning seemed to evaporate as she became the proverbial “it girl,” wading through clichés and teen dramas. It felt like a jarring shift; Klara’s once layered persona quickly flattened into the expected high school narrative, where everyone wanted to befriend her and Kang’s inexplicable love story unfolded with a predictability that felt frustrating.
The writing itself kept a brisk pace, which I initially appreciated, but it quickly became a double-edged sword. Important themes rushed forward and dissipated, leaving the plot untethered. While I enjoyed parts of Klara’s solo moments where her internal struggles resurfaced, the chaos of cliquey school life washed away the richness of her character. I craved more depth and nuance in the relationships—particularly with her sister or a therapist—rather than relying on teenage friendships and a quick-fix romance.
Despite my mixed feelings, I can’t deny that Godoy’s efforts shine through. Characters like Diego, who shares Klara’s battles, bring authenticity to the narrative. While Kang didn’t quite resonate with me (I often found his dialogue too movie-like), he served his purpose as a conduit for Klara’s growth.
In sum, while Sigue mi voz might stumble into well-worn tropes in its second half, it still manages to encapsulate vital themes relevant to this generation—mental health, friendship, and the search for understanding. It is undeniably a step forward for Godoy, showcasing her development as an author. If you’re looking for a quick read that balances emotional depth with lighter moments, this book might just be for you. After all, it’s a perfect companion for anyone navigating their own tricky paths through life.
For those curious about mental health narratives, or in need of a comforting escape with a splash of drama, Sigue mi voz is worth picking up. Just remember: like life, not everything goes as planned.