When hugging was forbidden
Catalina Montoya Palacio
BOOK REVIEW

In the hauntingly poignant tale of When Hugging Was Forbidden, Catalina Montoya Palacio takes us on a journey that blossoms from the depths of isolation into the vibrant embrace of hope. This work, though brief at just 29 pages, captures a universe characterized by profound longing, emotional turbulence, and the ultimate quest for human connection, which many of us were denied during the tumultuous times of the global pandemic.
As you traverse each page, you find yourself overwhelmed by the weight of a world that, for a time, cut off the warmth of physical touch. The protagonist grapples with the stark reality of absent hugs - a simple gesture that once embodied love, comfort, and solidarity now rendered taboo. In this narrative, Palacio doesn't just tell a story; she wields words like a surgeon, delicately peeling away layers of pain and yearning that resonate deeply in every reader's heart. 💔
Readers have pointed out the author's incredible ability to tap into their own experiences of loss and longing. Many have reacted passionately, expressing how the book reverberates with their encounters during the isolation of quarantine. Some highlight how it evokes tears, while others laud its capacity to inspire meaningful reflection on what it means to be human when the barriers of touch are built around us. Critics have noted, however, that some aspects felt underexplored-like a haunting melody that lingers just out of reach. Yet, it is the very brevity of the work that lends it its striking potency.
Palacio's background as a writer who has lived through cultural upheavals adds a rich layer to her storytelling, amplifying the emotional stakes of her work. She crafts a narrative that echoes through the hallways of collective memory, compelling readers to reflect on their hidden fears and desires. 🧐 This combination creates a microcosm of hope and despair, where loss does not merely fade into the ether, but instead gives birth to resilience and community-a poignant reminder that even in absence, we can hold one another close in our hearts.
In our age of rapid connectivity, where digital touch often replaces the physical, Palacio's story serves as a mirror to our own detachment. It ignites a sense of urgency: What do the simple gestures of love and affection mean to us? This book doesn't just chase the ghosts of hugs lost; it challenges you to confront what those hugs represented-safety, comfort, community, and understanding. You emerge from the experience unsettled, hearts aching, and souls ignited by the fervor of understanding just how crucial these connections are. ✨️
Palacio's When Hugging Was Forbidden isn't just a narrative; it's a clarion call to reclaim the warmth that becomes so easily lost in a world beset by fear and disconnection. Readers from all walks share their tales of 2020-how the simple act of holding someone close felt like a fire on a winter's night, a desperate yearning that this book encapsulates beautifully.
Feeling abandoned by the world? This work might just ignite a spark of hope within you. It is more than a reading experience; it's an exploration of the threads that weave the fabric of human existence-reminding us that even in the shadows of our fears, light persists, waiting to be embraced again. If there is one takeaway from Palacio's work, it's this: we can find healing in vulnerability and connection, regardless of how far we feel from one another.
As you ponder those moments of isolation, you'll be left with a profound sense of gratitude-not just for those you miss, but for the human spirit's unmatched resilience. Don't miss your chance to dive deep into this soul-stirring exploration of love and longing. 📚
📖 When hugging was forbidden
✍ by Catalina Montoya Palacio
🧾 29 pages
2020
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