“From the very first page, this was a five-star read—right up until the ending. The book explores the expectations that family and society place on women, highlighting their strength and courage to carve out their own paths. It is a beautifully written, deeply moving novel that tells the powerful story of two women who rise above oppression and societal norms to discover their true potential and strength.” —Dr. Radenka Maric, president, University of Connecticut

“Mahala’s courage and spirit shine through this lovely tale as told by her own granddaughter. I would love to have known Mahala and I so enjoyed reading her story—her love of friends and family, her desire to control the course of her own life, and her passion to improve the lives of women in New York’s garment center in the 1920’s made her as relatable today as she surely was to those lucky enough to be in her sphere.” —Dr. Lynelle Schneeberg, assistant professor at the Yale School of Medicine; director of the behavioral sleep medicine program at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center

“In Mahala, Carol Barrios captures the personal struggle of a woman trying to break free from the constraints of her culture and a dominating brother to pursue her dreams. Through intimate storytelling and vivid emotion, Barrios draws readers deep into family drama defined by courage, resilience, and an unyielding will that cannot be extinguished." —Toni Boucher, author of Husky Effect and Stone Doll: A Memoir