Alburquerque

by Rudolfo Anaya

Book Overview

Lauded as the father of Chicano storytelling in English, Rudolfo Anaya's work is famed for its cultural resonance and unforgettable characters. Here is one of his richest achievements -- a spellbinding tale of history, place, and destiny ...Nobody knows the real "Alburquerque" like young boxer Abran Gonzalez. A homeboy from the barrio, his world shatters the night he is summoned to the deathbed of his biological mother -- a woman he has never known...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446365440
• ISBN13: 9780446365444
• Release Date: September 1994
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Length: 293 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

excellent

This book is definetley very well writen, and i would recommend it to anyone. It gives an insight to the mexican american world and the struggles one faces in the barrio. I usually never finish a book but this really caught my eye.

Could not put it down...

I first read "Bless Me, Ultima" for school and I loved it so I then read "Alburquerque." I enjoyed both books very much. The dreams and healing magic tied into the Catholic religion was very interesting. The characters were unforgetable and the settings in the books I could see in my mind. I could not put it down and I read both in one day.

a new gem

An interesting story full of enough tidbits of history to make you want to do independent research on Mexico and read more of Anaya's writings. The characters are colorful and have twists and turns that keep you wondering until the end. I learned some interesting bits about how politics might have been run in the times and how people's pasts never really rest.

A Great Movie

This in an interesting rating system, and particularly difficult in a case (or a book, or a genius) like Senor Anaya's most recent writing. I read this book in 2 sittings. 'Bless Me, Ultima' was a rich read that I'm not sure would have crossed cultural sensibilities as well as this one does. So one must measure these achievements accordingly. I applaud Senor Anaya for being exactly in tune with his time: 'Albuerquerque' could be just about any Southwestern city, or for that matter any American city circa 2001. The mixed-relationships and dirty politics could be anywhere, but given the ever changing demographic of our country he has nailed exactly on the head many levels of the many choices, changes,and challenges of today's Chicano culture, which unlike 20 yearsago now has in fact achieved power, and with it comes all the hard choices, trade-offs and sacrifices that power brings. Ah,equality. I loved this book, and it's interesting to read anotherreview calling these characters and situations 'cliche'. Cliche, perhaps, for the Anglos on 'Dallas', but this reaches deeper: the poet, our Nativo hero, Viet Nam, Mamasita..and a fantasticclimax..well, I'm not that jaded. On the big screen I would love to see these characters come to life. This book is begging to be a major film, and at that, a film that would be a landmark in Latino/Nativo presence. You cynical folk!! This is a VERYimportant book.

A great fictional story in the setting of Albuquerque.

This was a great book that beautifully described the dynamic culture and diversity of Albu'r'querque. If you have ever had to make any tough decisions when you were young you will also like this book.