Rain of Gold

by Victor Villaseñor

Book Overview

For use in schools and libraries only. Focuses on three generations of Villasenor's kin, their spiritual and cultural roots back in Mexico, their immigration to California and their overcoming poverty, prejudice and economic exploitation.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0440505127
• ISBN13: 9780440505129
• Release Date: September 1992
• Publisher: Laurel
• Length: 562 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.2" x 6.3" x 1.6"

Customer Reviews

Rain of gold

Love it

An exquisitely told tale!

When I was an English Literature major in college in the early 1990s, I wrote my senior thesis on the significance of Chicano literature. "Rain of Gold" was included in my study. It is a beautifully written book and a tremendously valuable contribution to American literature. In Victor Villasenor's "Rain of Gold," the dominant theme or metaphor is the struggle for survival. The mythic structure provides a rich and meaningful context for the characters and their inner struggle for identity and survival. "Rain of Gold" is the story of two parallel lives -- those of Juan Salvador and Lupe Gomez, characters delineated from Villasenor's real-life mother and father, who grow up with their respective families in two distant towns in Mexico and meet as young adults in California. The novel can be divided into three parts: the families trying to survive in Mexico, but opting to find a better life in the U.S.; their harsh and harrowing journeys through the rough terrain of the Mexican deserts; and finally, their miraculous arrival and struggle in the U.S. The novel challenges the reader to experience the harsh realities of the characters' hardships and triumphs. Their struggle is internal and personal. Villasenor's adherence to myth, religion and a little of the magical paints a vivid image of a people -- survivors not only of physical challenges, but spiritual ones as well. His story is well detailed and well developed. It is truly an epic in every sense of the word.

Trully Uplifting

I was impressed from the moment I heard Victor Villaseñor speak, his words capture me instantly. This book will mezmorize the reader, no matter the age. This is an exquisite work of art.

The Best Book You'll Ever Read!

This book was given to me by a student at Santa Rosa Junior College in California. I am a Spanish tutor. I must admit that I do not read a lot. But when I began to read this particular book I was hooked. I now spend my free time picking up where I left off. Its is seriously an addicting read and a very intruiging one. I highly recommended Lluvia De Oro for anyone who wants to learn about the people of Mexico and the country's history. I must say it is a rare book that encompasses everything about Mexican culture and brings history to real life right before your very eyes! I think it should be a required textbook for any Culture and Mexican-American Studies class at Colleges all over the United States!

Really good book! A must read!

Everyone should read this book, it is the best that I have read

The best story I have ever Read!

I loved this story! I was hooked from page one. My father is also from los altos de Jalisco, and his family is related to the Villasenor's in Tepatitlan, Jalisco. He states the story is similar to his family struggles, and was thrilled when I told him about this book. Whoever reads this book, especially mexicans,will see struggles in this book which they or their descendents may have had similar experiences. YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK!!!point blank...