Oh, the ending! – Since the dawn of the Western literary tradition the theme of the journey has enthralled listeners and readers. Now David Vogel invigorates the prose odyssey with his novel the Day of the Dragonfly. In Vogel’s prose the odyssey returns to its more traditional form at least regarding scope of time and geography, but his tale is immediately relevant to our contemporary reality. Told in three parts, the Day of the Dragonfly takes the reader, via the lives of three generations, from the drought famine of Depression era northeastern Brazil, through the Caribbean, on to Miami and parts north, telling a harrowing story of a family’s determination, from one person to another, to stave off starvation – often just long enough to live another single day – in order to have the physical energy to take a few more steps towards freedom: freedom from poverty, disease, and abuse both familial and cultural.
     Seen in one light the Day of the Dragonfly can appear dystopian but David Vogel manages to create a gripping story that unites two values that rarely sit easily side-by-side: humanistic compassion and cold harsh skepticism. He delivers readers a rare but wonderful treat – a novel that is not only very humane but also ennobling. - The Autodidact





     What really held my interest was that the struggles and conflicts of the protagonist family really ring true.  The problems the characters face, and the way they think about them are relatable, and at the same time give me a vivid sense of a life that is very different from mine.   It takes the lives of impoverished immigrants, and gives their stories a kind of epic, heroic feel.  I found myself really invested in the characters, cheering for them when they succeed, gritting my teeth when they take a wrong turn.    It also has a flow and a structure that is quite different, and makes it much less predictable than most of the novels I read. - Darius Wrona

     This book, Day of the Dragonfly, tells the story about the struggle against poverty with power and grace. It is a great storytelling, and human characters create very interesting jo urney across continents and time. Moving and provoking your thoughts this book takes you on a journey that you have not experienced ever. - AmazonVerified Purchase


       I LOVED this book! Tragedy after tragedy befall the main characters, and Vogel's skillful character development involves the reader  and evinces suffering at each misfortune along with his characters. 
       In book one, one can't help but sympathize with the physical and mental hardships that Joao endures. Later in his journey, we can admire his cunning when he discovers an opportunity to secure his fate with the Assembleia de Deus.
       Book two introduces Maria. The story of her privileged childhood sharply contrasts with the cruel fate that befalls her.  The betrayal of her mind and body leaves her nearly incapacitated. Fortunately, she endures, and we are brought to Book three where we meet Layla and her siblings. Their mother, Maria, is crippled by depression, so the children must become the adults to care for her and themselves. 
       Reminiscent of the Joads, in John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath, the family embarks on an epic journey to escape the brutality of their situation. Like the Joads, Layla's family displays a hopefulness that despite today's misfortunes, tomorrow will be better. For most of their journey,  hard work brings few rewards. All hopes are pinned on Layla.
Never really a child, Layla accepts her role as savior of the family, and her dedication to that mission is inspirational. 
       Day of the Dragonfly is a moving story of the effects of poverty and survival. Admittedly, a comparison between this book and Steinbeck's work is high praise. However, this reader could not help but see a parallel and feels the comparison is deserved. I am grateful to have been gifted with the chance to read this book. - Gwen H.

     What an incredible tale, it really was an epic journey. I laughed and I cried. The kids in Brazil fighting dirt poor odds hit close - reminded me of my grandma's stories from hard times. One girl's trek for safety, a boy's hunt for better land, split by a woman's cult nightmare. No easy fixes just raw grit and tough choices. Some parts are heavy for sure, with cruel people and Bad Religion. Stuck with me. - Verified Purchase

     This epic journey masterfully captures the weight of systemic hardship across generations and continents. The interconnected narratives pulse with authenticity, revealing how resilience flourishes even in darkest circumstances. With emotionally complex characters and unflinching honesty, the story tr  typical poverty tales, challenging readers' moral perspectives. The imaginative, tear-inspiring conclusion celebrates overlooked lives with profound hope rather than despair. A powerful, beautifully crafted novel that lingers long after the final page, truly unforgettable reading. - Verified Purchase

     This epic story is based on the true life story of the author’s father-in-law’s life. This book reaches out and quickly captivates the reader’s attention. This book is one that is difficult to put down and walk away from. While reading it, the book leaves the reader desiring to know what happens next in the story. This book is an amazing story that must be shared. It reaches out and grabs your imagination and your emotions. It tells the story of real situations that most people do not realize exist in the world today. Do yourself a favor and read this book! - Carl S


     This book is a very serious family drama about a cult from Northeast Brazil. It is a story of survival, and it is deceptively simply and beautifully written. It starts very slowly, and it took me 100 to 150 pages to really get into it. It is written in a style and pacing reminiscent of a 19th century novel. There is a discussion of abuse and sexual assault in the book, and if you cannot stand that, then skip this book. Parts of the book have a Caribbean English dialect, but it feel authentic, and not at all demeaning to the peoples of that part of the world. The mother, Maria, and daughter, Layla, eventually leave Maria's abusive husband Jaõa, who is part of the Assemblia De Deus, a cult. The mother and daughter, with three younger siblings come to America in a very improbable story. The beginning of the story in set in the 1930s, and it ends around the year 1978. This is a very moving, dark story of extreme poverty and survival. The writing it beautiful, and taught me a lot about Brazil in the "bad old days."
     David Vogel, a member of the local writer's group gave me a digital arc in return for my honest review. [5 stars]