Bless Me, Ultima Rudolfo Anaya
Discuss This Book--According to Newsweek, Rudolfo Anaya is "the most widely read Mexican-American." After reading the book, I know why.
The story is told through the eyes of Antonio Marez, who is six years old when Ultima comes to stay with his family in New Mexico. Ultima is an old curandera (healer). Many do not understand her magic, and rudely call her a bruja (witch). Tony loves Ultima, and would do anything in his power to protect his friend.
The story spans over the period of about two years of Tony's life, during which he begins school, learns to speak English, takes his first holy communion, and questions the religion he's been brought up to believe. His father wants Tony to become a man of the llano to roam freely, or to help him move to California. Tony's mother wants him to become a farmer with his uncles or to become a priest. As he struggles to grow up with both of his parents' dreams weighing on his shoulders, Ultima is there to gently guide him to learn to follow his own path.
Tony wittnesses the death of several people throughout the book, and they constantly haunt his dreams, along with the immorality of his three brothers. He is a very curious young man, but seldom finds the answers to his constant questions. Sometimes it is through this silent disappointment that he learns the answer to his questions, and becomes a stronger person.
When I came to the last page of this book, I found myself wishing that there was more. I highly recommend this book!
Return to my book review index page
Return to Chrissy's Dojo
Chrissy's Dojo * Me * My Poetry * Poetry * Art
Stories * Books * Cool * Rings * LinksThis page hosted by
Your home on the web!
