One-line summary:

In “Belong to Me,” a novel by Marisa de los Santos, a woman named Cornelia navigates the complexities of marriage, friendship, and motherhood, ultimately learning the importance of acceptance and finding one’s place in the world.

The search for belonging:

Cornelia Brown, the protagonist of “Belong to Me,” is happily married to her husband, Teo, and they have recently moved to a suburban neighborhood in Philadelphia. Cornelia is eager to fit in and make friends with her new neighbors, but she quickly realizes that the community is tightly knit and resistant to outsiders. As she tries to navigate the social dynamics of her new environment, Cornelia finds solace in her friendship with her quirky neighbor, Piper Truitt, who is battling a serious illness. Through their bond, Cornelia learns that true friendship and belonging come from accepting others for who they are, flaws and all.

The complexities of marriage and motherhood:

While Cornelia is trying to find her place in the community, she also faces challenges in her marriage. Teo, a doctor, is often absent due to his demanding job, leaving Cornelia feeling lonely and neglected. As they struggle to communicate and connect, Cornelia begins to question the foundation of their relationship. Additionally, Cornelia and Teo are trying to start a family, but their attempts at conceiving are met with disappointment and heartbreak. The novel explores the emotional toll of infertility and the strain it can put on a marriage.

A tale of friendship and acceptance:

As Cornelia’s friendship with Piper deepens, she discovers that Piper has a secret: she is the mother of a biracial child named Lake. Piper’s decision to give up Lake for adoption was driven by the fear of judgment and rejection from her conservative family. Cornelia becomes determined to help Piper reconnect with her daughter, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and understanding. Along the way, Cornelia learns the importance of accepting others, embracing diversity, and challenging societal norms.

Key takeaways:

• True belonging comes from accepting others for who they are, flaws and all.
• Communication and connection are vital in maintaining a healthy marriage.
• Infertility can put a strain on relationships, requiring patience and understanding.
• Acceptance and embracing diversity are essential for personal growth and fostering meaningful relationships.

“Belonging is a slippery and elusive beast, and I had spent too much time chasing it and trying to force it to stay.” – Marisa de los Santos

In “Belong to Me,” Marisa de los Santos explores the universal themes of friendship, marriage, and motherhood. Through Cornelia’s journey, readers are reminded of the importance of acceptance, communication, and embracing diversity. The novel serves as a poignant reminder that true belonging cannot be forced or manufactured but is found through genuine connections and understanding.