Song of the Water Saints

by Nelly Rosario

Book Overview

This vibrant, provocative d but novel explores the dreams and struggles of three generations of Dominican women. Graciela, born on the outskirts of Santo Domingo at the turn of the century, is a headstrong adventuress who comes of age during the U.S. occupation. Too poor to travel beyond her imagination, she is frustrated by the monotony of her life, which erodes her love affairs and her relationship with Mercedes, her daughter. Mercedes, abandoned...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375725490
• ISBN13: 9780375725494
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Resonates With Elegance

SONG OF THE WATER SAINTS is yet another stellar contribution to the fast-growing field of works by young escritoras dominicanas [Dominican women writers] of superior caliber and grace. Nelly Rosario, obviously undaunted by the number of novels that readily plunge the reader into the immigrant experience, adds an exciting new dimension. She clevery and artfully interweaves the delicate threads of myth, history, longing, and pain into a passionate tale of three generations of bold, intrepid Dominican women in search of their respective destinies. The interconnected stories of Graciela, Mercedes, and Leila are unforgettable. Rosario's irresistible prose reads like epic poetry; her style evokes imagination and a deep resonance of remembrance. This is a well-written novel that undergirds our continuing faith in the future direction of Latina Literature. Very Highly Recommended.Alan CambeiraAuthor of AZUCAR! The Story of Sugar (a novel)

Song of the Water Saints

I loved this book. Though written in prose, there was so much written UNDERNEATH all of the words it was like reading poetry. It was beautifully elequent and the way she tied all three generations together was excellent. The women in this story were so intense and full of spirit, and selfish too. Both sexually liberated and aware, and intent on getting what they want out of life. These were not women to give in to anyone. I was exposed to a whole new striking culture, and I can't wait to read what else Nelly has to say.

Welcome Nelly Rosario, a true writer

Nelly Rosario has managed to do what so many other Latino writers fail miserably at: utilizing her heritage and knwoledge of her culture to write mesmerizing and inspiring prose. Rosario does not resort to caramelized stereotypes like so many mediocre writers who have found fame and fortune by explaning Latinoness to white readers via degrading and flat fictional recreations of their family's experiences in this country. Instead, she digs into the rich history of the Dominican Republic to explore the complex and intertwined relationships that defined the island nation at the turn of the century when the U.S. invaded. Vibrant and determined women leap off the page as full characters, not leftovers from their men's or family's imposed notions of who they are. A truly gifted writer, Rosario is assured a significant place in literarture for years to come.

The New Wave of Latina Literature...

Ay si. Nelly can write. She is, by far, one of the best Latina novelists to hit the scene in a generation. From the opening pages we are immediately granted the pleasures and pain of three generations of Dominicanas. Their world, not always happy, not always easy to understand, unfolds through Nelly's poetic prose. Whether the reader is following the "ichy feet" of Gabriela, or grandma Mercedes lost in Nerba Yol, the reader cannot help but identify with these well-constructed characters. If you like a multi-generational story that isn't made for Disney, this novel is for you.

The song of the immigrant Dominican Women

I think this is a mesmerizing story. Any Latin women, especially Dominican women, must have this book! I hope it gets translated into Spanish soon. I believe Rosario is a great storyteller. She shows how complex is to live in two worlds: from the Dominican Republic to Manhattan. She tells the story and struggles of three generations of Dominican women. She is new in this novel writing world, but she is good. Her book is full of feelings, emotions, passion and adventure. As a Dominican, I feel identified with her story. I'm truly waiting for her next novel, and I have trying to make all my friends to read this book.