Ramona (Signet Classics)

by Helen Hunt Jackson

Book Overview

One of the greatest ethical novels of the nineteenth century, this is a tale of true love tested. Set in Old California, this powerful narrative richly depicts the life of the fading Spanish order,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451528425
• Release Date: July 2002
• Publisher: Signet
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.7" x 1.1" x 4.3"

Customer Reviews

Romona

I absolutely Love this novel...it depicts the history of the Mexicans and Indians of Mexico and the early immigration of the Mexicans into Southern California...It depicts a wonderful love story compared to other great classic novels...when reading this novel i felt as if i was one of the characters. I first read this classic when I was age 14 and just beginning to get interested in boys and i simply couldn’t put this beautiful love story down for a minute...Since that time I’ve read Romona several times over the years and i’m now 69 and I just ordered another “Romona” and I plan on reading it again just as soon as i get it in the mail ... I hope you enjoy Romona as much as I do...

A Love Story--Tragic, Tender, And Redeeming!

I have Heard Ramona by Helen Hunt Jackson described as a "propaganda novel." That it well may have been in its day. But "Ramona" has not endured all these years because of a propaganda message. This novel has endured because of the trueness of the characters--The noble Alessandro, the patient, tender Ramona, the faithful Felipe, the just, stern, sad Senora Moreno.Even the minor characters are true to form especially the jealous, vindictive Margarita, the loyal Marta, and the strutting but endearing Juan Can.I rediscovered this book in a dusty corner of our public library and devoured in in two days.A book becomes a classic when it becomes part of your soul. The love story of Ramona and Alessandro has burned itself into my heart where it will remain forever.

Ramona-Magella

I thought this was one of the best books I have ever read. You will fall in love with Ramona (Majella) and Alessandro.If you are like me your heart will break, then it will heal slowly, but maybe not all the way. While reading this book you may learn some things you did not know before. If you have some spare time, read this book. But don't race through it, there is meaning in every line. I recomend this book mostly to girls. It can be read from teens up. You do not have to be fans of history to love this book.

Haunting story of love and prejudice

Just when I had begun to despair that I might never truly fall in love with a book again, along came Ramona. From the first page, I was captured by the poetic nature of the writing. Some books can be read quickly, not so Ramona. Every sentence is crafted so carefully, every description so complete, some passages must be read over and over again just for the sheer pleasure of the prose. The plot combination of social justice and romance makes the book amazingly contemporary. The racism of this book is directed toward the Native American population and their story is a heart wrenching one indeed. The description of the startling beauty of the landscape and the lives of the characters stands in stark contrast to the breathtaking cruelty with which this nation took land from its native population. Ramona thrilled me and broke my heart. I highly recommend it.

This is sad story with a good lesson

Readers can follow the narrative style of "Ramona" with ease. It does not take a long time to finish reading this book. I like the author's use of a love story, albeit sad and doomed, to shed light on the treatment of Native Indians in American history. You also learn a little about the life of the Mexicans and American settlers in California. "Ramona" can still serve as a reminder of today's social injustices and the role we play in it.Fafa Demasio

Compelling piece of fiction for any California History buff

Ramona, set in early Spanish/Mexican California, weaves the tale of love between the Indian Allessandro and the Mexican-Indian girl Ramona. Rich, deep characters and vivid description of the landscapes makes this novel a great piece of California historical fiction. Through Jackson's powerful illustrations, the racism Mexicans and Indians both endured at the hands of White and Mexican settlers is experienced by the reader. Yet the love story is what makes this book and Jackson's romanticism of the landscape and the main charcaters only enhances Californians' fascination with Mission Revival.