How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents Summary

Living in the Dominican Republic, the four Garcia sisters – Carla, Sandra, Yolanda, and Sofia – led a life of privilege, amid personal and familial dramas. Carla gave a cherished toy to a maid who was later accused of theft, causing her guilt. Yolanda's childhood curiosity led to a traumatic incident with a kitten and a troubled relationship with her mother cat. Sandra, with dreams of becoming an artist, had her aspirations shattered after a traumatic encounter with a mentally unstable sculptor, eventually resigning to be his muse.

The family's comfortable existence was interrupted when their father, Carlos, agitated against the ruling military dictatorship and fell out of favor with the secret police. With the assistance of a CIA agent, they managed to escape to New York City. The transition was challenging, both culturally and economically, especially for their mother, Laura, who hailed from an influential Dominican family. She found solace in supporting her daughters’ pursuits such as Yolanda's poetry and Sofia's rebellion against their father's conservatism.

Upon settling in the States, their father's colleague, Dr. Fanning, offered to take the family out for dinner. Hoping to make a good impression, Laura impressed upon her daughters the need for decorum. However, they each grappled with their individual challenges. Carla struggled with fitting into American schools and encountered prejudice and abuse. Yolanda discovered her voice through writing in English, frequently clashing with her father's traditional views. Sofia was sent back to the Dominican Republic as punishment for using drugs, only to find trouble there again. The sisters' journey continues with personal struggles and revelations, including Yolanda's troubled romantic relationships and Sandra's mental health issues. Despite the challenges, the sisters find their paths, with Sofia asserting her independence by marrying and hosting a family event, and Yolanda returning to her Dominican roots.