Belong to Me Summary & Key Insights

Marisa de los Santos' "Belong to Me" weaves a compelling narrative around the interconnected lives of three women bound by a shared past and a mysterious artifact—a handmade doll named "Maybelline." The story unfolds in present-day New Jersey and flashes back to 1970s California, revealing a complex web of secrets, betrayals, and enduring legacies.

The central character in the present is Becca, a successful but emotionally reserved woman haunted by a childhood memory of finding a peculiar doll buried in her backyard. This discovery triggers a profound sense of unease and a desire to uncover the truth about her past. Becca's investigation leads her to unravel the story of her mother, Christina, a young woman who, in the 1970s, moved from a restrictive life in New Jersey to the vibrant, counterculture scene of California. Christina seeks freedom and self-discovery, forming a close bond with a charismatic yet enigmatic artist named Angel. Their connection is intense but fraught with complications, largely due to the presence of Angel’s possessive and ultimately manipulative wife, Marisol.

Marisol is a complex antagonist, driven by a deep-seated insecurity and a desperate need for control. Her relationship with Angel is built on codependency and unspoken resentments, leading to a series of events that directly impact Becca's life decades later. The mysterious doll, Maybelline, acts as a physical representation of these entangled relationships and the secrets they harbor. It serves as a tangible link between the past and present, embodying the enduring consequences of choices made years before.

As Becca pieces together her mother's story, she confronts difficult truths about her family history and her own identity. She uncovers the hidden dynamics between Christina, Angel, and Marisol, exposing a narrative of ambition, jealousy, and ultimately, devastating loss. Becca's journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with the legacy left by her mother's choices and the impact of unresolved trauma.

The overarching themes of the novel explore the enduring power of the past, the complexities of motherhood and family relationships, and the search for identity and belonging. De los Santos masterfully interweaves the narratives of the three women, highlighting the ripple effects of past actions and the ways in which secrets can shape the present. The novel is ultimately a poignant exploration of forgiveness, acceptance, and the enduring bonds that connect us across generations. The mystery surrounding Maybelline's significance is cleverly woven into the larger narrative, serving not only as a plot device but also as a symbolic representation of the hidden emotions and unspoken truths that bind the characters together.