L'écriture de Julia Alvarez explore souvent les thèmes de l'identité, de la culture et de l'exil, puisant profondément dans ses expériences personnelles d'émigration de la République Dominicaine vers les États-Unis. Sa prose se caractérise par une qualité lyrique et une compréhension profonde des complexités des relations humaines. Alvarez se penche sur la manière dont le passé façonne le présent et sur la recherche de sens et d'appartenance dans des mondes disparates. Son œuvre sert de pont puissant entre les cultures, célébrant la force durable de la narration.
The story revolves around Miguel, who struggles to adapt to his new school in Vermont and is reluctant about his Tía Lola teaching Spanish there. In contrast, his enthusiastic sister Juanita is eager to showcase their vibrant aunt to her friends. As Tía Lola brings excitement to the school with a Spanish treasure hunt and a Carnaval fiesta, tensions rise between Miguel's reluctance and Juanita's distractions. The narrative explores themes of family, cultural identity, and the challenges of adjusting to change.
Running a bed and breakfast proves to be a challenging adventure for Tía Lola, her niece, and nephew, along with the support of the three Sword Sisters. As they welcome guests to a historic Vermont house, they face unexpected sabotage that threatens their new venture. Amidst the chaos, they must also orchestrate a surprise birthday party for Tía Lola, adding to the excitement and tension. The story blends humor and mystery as they navigate the trials of hospitality and family secrets.
The collection features twenty-four essays exploring Julia Alvarez's journey as a Latina in America, reflecting on her family's escape from the Dominican Republic and the challenges of adapting to life in New York City. Divided into two parts, the first delves into themes of exile and identity, while the second celebrates her passion for writing and the creative process. Alvarez shares personal anecdotes, struggles with her craft, and insights into the influence of family and literature, offering a heartfelt narrative filled with humor and wisdom.
Set against the backdrop of Dominican folklore, the story follows Guapa, a daring ciguapa with a fascination for humans. Despite her kind's fear of people, her curiosity leads her to a boy she observes during her nighttime foraging. After a close encounter reveals the kindness of humans, Guapa vows to keep her distance yet can't resist visiting the boy's home, where she discovers a warm pastelito left for her. This enchanting tale explores themes of curiosity, kindness, and the connection between different worlds.
Set during the waning days of the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republica in 1960, this extraordinary novel tells the story the Mirabal sisters, three young wives and mothers who are assassinated after visiting their jailed husbands.
Alvarez's debut poetry collection offers a poignant exploration of her childhood in the Dominican Republic, blending subtlety with emotional depth. This revised and expanded edition enriches the original work with thirteen new poems, further enhancing the themes of nostalgia and cultural heritage. Through her lyrical verses, Alvarez invites readers to reflect on the complexities of home and identity.
PURE BELPRÉ AWARD WINNER • ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE’S 100 BEST YA BOOKS OF ALL TIME • AN ALA-YALSA BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS From renowned author Julia Alvarez comes an unforgettable story about adolescence, perseverance, and one girl’s struggle to be free while living in the Dominican Republic under the rule of a dictator. Anita de la Torre never questioned her freedom living in the Dominican Republic. But by her twelfth birthday in 1960, most of her relatives have immigrated to the United States, her Tío Toni has disappeared without a trace, and the government’s secret police terrorize her remaining family because of their suspected opposition to Trujillo’s iron-fisted rule. Using the strength and courage of her family, Anita must overcome her fears and fly to freedom, leaving all that she once knew behind. “A stirring work of art.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review “A realistic and compelling account of a girl growing up too quickly while coming to terms with the cost of freedom.” —The Horn Book, Starred Review “Diary entries written by the child while in hiding will remind readers of Anne Frank’s story. . . . Readers will bite their nails as the story moves to its inexorable conclusion.” —SLJ
A novel based on the life of Profesora Camila Henríquez-Ureña, a teacher whose mother was Salomé Ureña, famous nineteenth-century political poet from the Dominican Republic.
After his family hires migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm from foreclosure, eleven-year-old Tyler befriends the oldest daughter, but when he discovers they may not be in the country legally, he realizes that real friendship knows no borders.
Exploring themes of family and cultural identity, this engaging narrative weaves together the experiences of its characters, highlighting their struggles and triumphs. Julia Alvarez crafts a rich tapestry of relationships and heritage, offering readers a heartfelt glimpse into the complexities of navigating different cultural landscapes. The story promises both humor and insight, making it a captivating read for those interested in the nuances of family dynamics and the immigrant experience.
