Library Journal Review
| Blending is a facet of Latino identity. In fact, Latinos are the latest amalgam in a series of assimilations. In Europe, Iberians, Visigoths, and Moors gradually merged to form Spain. In the New World, Spanish and indigenous tribes blended to become the peoples of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. In the United States, cultures originating in Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, or Central America are mingling with American cultures of European, African, or Asian descent, resulting in Latino culture. Nevertheless, not all accept the term, nor is it easy to define. This two-volume reference work, edited by poet and essayist West-Duran (African Caribbeans: A Reference Guide), probably does the best job to date. It begins with five essays of social and historical commentary that focus on key elements of Latino culture in this country. What follows is a series of ten- to 20-page biocritical essays on nearly 60 authors (e.g., Gary Soto, Pat Mora, Sandra Cisneros, Victor Villase?or, Julia Alvarez, Richard Rodriguez, and Lorna Dee Cervantes). The essays provide detailed biographies, discussion of major themes, thorough and relevant criticism, representative samples of each author's work, and lengthy bibliographies to aid further research. The authors selected write primarily in English, even though Spanish may have been the intimate or "home" language of each. Thus, a dual identity often developed-that of the original Spanish-speaking culture and of the English-language culture into which the Latino was assimilated. The result is a heightened awareness of cultural fluctuations and nuances that characterizes much Latino literature. One of the most comprehensive anthologies available of Latino writing in the United States; essential for all academic and large public libraries, as well as libraries containing works by Latino authors.-Nedra Crowe-Evers, Sacramento P.L., CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. |
School Library Journal Review
| Gr 9 Up-While definitely not scholarly literary analysis, this title is a much-needed introduction to a fecund and fascinating literary movement. The set begins with five essays on aspects of Latino literature-feminist criticism, the Latino identity, historical origins, performance artists, and Latino autobiography. Without trying to be comprehensive, the editor has selected 55 writers he feels are important to this cumbersomely named literary movement. Separate sections divide the essays on the individual writers by background ("Chicano/Chicana," "Cuban and Cuban American," "Dominican," and "Puerto Rican" authors). Since researchers may not know this information, the arrangement necessitates using the table of contents or index. Only writers who have published since 1960 are featured. Some, such as Sandra Cisneros and Miguel Pioero, are celebrated literary figures in their own right; others are relatively unknown and published only by small presses and universities. Written in a clear, accessible style, the signed articles range between 15 and 20 pages. They offer snippets of personal history mixed with snapshot plot summaries, a dollop of political agenda, and some social commentary and literary analysis. Researchers coming to this mass of literary cross-pollination may need some assistance if they are looking for writers of fiction, poetry, etc., as the volume is sorely missing a listing of writers by genre. Despite some flaws, most libraries will find this set useful.-Herman Sutter, Saint Agnes Academy, Houston, TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. |
