CHICANO

by Richard Vasquez ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 23, 1969

A long, earnest chronicle about Mexican Americans in California, from turn-of-the-century northern Mexico to contemporary East Los Angeles. This is the sort of rollcall family saga which keeps one reading in the hopes that all will go well for the family. In this case it doesn't. Hounded by the pressure of poverty, and a repressive Anglo society, the weak links turn to prostitution and drugs; the stronger members slowly inch their way into material well being, acutely conscious of alienation from the dominant Anglos. Instrument of the subtler cruelties of prejudice is David, ""liberal"" sociology student who beds but does not wed lovely Mariana Sandoval and she dies from an abortion. It is through David's eyes that the outrages suffered by Mexican-Americans are seen in abrupt confrontations. Although the characters' cultural attitudes, milieus and speech are real enough, the characters themselves are somewhat dim. And the author's valid concern is stated but not really examined in fictional terms. Moderately involving genealogically but, as for social comment--shrill and spasmodic.

Pub Date: Jan. 23, 1969

ISBN: 0060821043

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1969

Categories: FICTION