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George Washington Gomez: A Mexicotexan Novel
Fiction. "An absorbing, heart-rending story told with sensitivity and wisdom.this book deserves a wide readership not only for its artistry but also for its subject matter" -Beaumont Enterprise.
302 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 9, 2014
I expected this book to be yet one more tale about the stereotypical, evil white man, but it was much more complex than that. Paredes at least dabbles in both sides of the issue, and he does a fine job of describing the dual personality that can develop in a Mexican-American due to competing cultural forces. The ending of the novel does seem abrupt--largely because it is short and unexpected, but I think this abruptness helps to create a rather powerful and shocking irony. Nevertheless, I am unable to appreciate the intense anti-assimilation message that prevails (despite the occasional complexities introduced), and I can't help but think it is immoral to force people to remain in cultural molds or to label them traitors when they desire to assimilate. One more note: Paredes draws a fine portrait of childhood and youth, which is what really makes the book readable. He seems to have a special talent in this area.
May 18, 2015
I am in love with this book!
I am currently taking a Mexican American Literature class and our Professor decided to open the course with this novel. I could not have been more satisfied. It is very rare the time that I can love a book and really identify with it.
Growing somewhat near where the location of the book took place, it was certainly interesting to see how life was back here in the early 1900's. And how many of those things are still happening today.
Really, it is a book that deals with assimilation, colonization, acculturation, and all the terms that a Mexican American has to go through. Identity is really big. There were times that I could relate entirely to Gualinto and understand that divide of both cultures that he experienced. And seeing him deal with that divide was what I loved reading the most.
Now the ending might come as a bit of a surprise and utter disappointment, but as Paredes said, he had to keep it real as to when the book was written. The ending made the book more realistic and it certainly riles up a reaction from the reader, as it did to me.
I cannot say how much I loved this book from beginning to end. It really is a genius work of art and I'm so glad to have fully had a connection with it.
I am currently taking a Mexican American Literature class and our Professor decided to open the course with this novel. I could not have been more satisfied. It is very rare the time that I can love a book and really identify with it.
Growing somewhat near where the location of the book took place, it was certainly interesting to see how life was back here in the early 1900's. And how many of those things are still happening today.
Really, it is a book that deals with assimilation, colonization, acculturation, and all the terms that a Mexican American has to go through. Identity is really big. There were times that I could relate entirely to Gualinto and understand that divide of both cultures that he experienced. And seeing him deal with that divide was what I loved reading the most.
Now the ending might come as a bit of a surprise and utter disappointment, but as Paredes said, he had to keep it real as to when the book was written. The ending made the book more realistic and it certainly riles up a reaction from the reader, as it did to me.
I cannot say how much I loved this book from beginning to end. It really is a genius work of art and I'm so glad to have fully had a connection with it.
September 27, 2008
I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Paredes in 1999 when I was an undergrad @ UTAustin, and he really made an impression on me. He was really old, and the PCL is named for him. He talked about how it was to be a Mexican student at the University in the 1930's and how discrimination was prevalent. This book was one of the few that I didn't sell back to the co-op bookstore for cash even though I was a broke-ass student b/c it meant a lot. Still does.
February 18, 2021
rating:3.5
picked this up after reading paredes' "with a pistol in his hand" f0r a latino literature class im taking. it did take me a while to actually get into this but it was enjoyable over all and very well written. i found myself really disliking the main character which was only added by the ending and i definitely thought someone else has grown a lot more but good overall.
picked this up after reading paredes' "with a pistol in his hand" f0r a latino literature class im taking. it did take me a while to actually get into this but it was enjoyable over all and very well written. i found myself really disliking the main character which was only added by the ending and i definitely thought someone else has grown a lot more but good overall.
October 9, 2019
bildungsromans are all the rage these days! all the kids are doing it!
September 28, 2019
Every Texas high school student should read this book. Replace The Catcher in the Rye with it if you have to; it's certainly more relevant to our history and our future than an upper-middle-class NYC bildungsroman will ever be.
August 27, 2011
I loved this book. Unequivocally.
While Paredes' novel is supposedly a first draft that he wrote between '36 and '40 but did not publish until 1990, its obvious flaws (like an inconsistent mode of moving through time and sharp change in the protagonist's attitude in the last section despite his earlier conflict regarding his dual American and Mexican identities), do not detract from the apparent uniqueness of George Washington Gomez in terms of someone writing about Mexican-American identity at this time in the way he is writing it, presaging the post-modern attitude towards the fragmentary and paradoxical aspects of identity. It is possible that Paredes (a professor of English specializing in folklore) had read W.E.B. DuBois and thus the double-consciousness apparent in the text are an emulation of that, but either way, the author presents it masterfully, and makes the vacillating attitude towards GWG's social and economic condition both powerful and believable.
Furthermore, put into the context of of pre-War American South, the way that Paredes approaches the history of Texas/Mexican borderlands, conflict and violence is at odds with how that history was (is?) generally taught in America - and he knew it. I can't help but think that the author knew that if he published this book in 1940 it would have made a lot of Gringos mad and probably would have been accused of sowing discord in the time of necessary national unity amid international conflict.
The book does take a long time in setting up the development of the main character - he isn't even the focus until a child of six, well into the book - and it also meanders in places discussing history and politics of the fictional Texas town of Jonesville as a way to contextualize the borderland society, but I think that is part of this novel's greatness. It takes the time to show that a community and a society create a web that sustains, pushes and hampers individuals. At the end of the book, Gomez's acceptance the American ideal of individualism that is put to use towards scaffolding an ideology that neglects whole swaths of people is that much more crushing because of those meanderings.
I cannot recommend this book enough and I think it needs to be part of a canon of not only Chicano literature, but of literature that explores the contradictions and conflicts inherent to representing ourselves as American.
While Paredes' novel is supposedly a first draft that he wrote between '36 and '40 but did not publish until 1990, its obvious flaws (like an inconsistent mode of moving through time and sharp change in the protagonist's attitude in the last section despite his earlier conflict regarding his dual American and Mexican identities), do not detract from the apparent uniqueness of George Washington Gomez in terms of someone writing about Mexican-American identity at this time in the way he is writing it, presaging the post-modern attitude towards the fragmentary and paradoxical aspects of identity. It is possible that Paredes (a professor of English specializing in folklore) had read W.E.B. DuBois and thus the double-consciousness apparent in the text are an emulation of that, but either way, the author presents it masterfully, and makes the vacillating attitude towards GWG's social and economic condition both powerful and believable.
Furthermore, put into the context of of pre-War American South, the way that Paredes approaches the history of Texas/Mexican borderlands, conflict and violence is at odds with how that history was (is?) generally taught in America - and he knew it. I can't help but think that the author knew that if he published this book in 1940 it would have made a lot of Gringos mad and probably would have been accused of sowing discord in the time of necessary national unity amid international conflict.
The book does take a long time in setting up the development of the main character - he isn't even the focus until a child of six, well into the book - and it also meanders in places discussing history and politics of the fictional Texas town of Jonesville as a way to contextualize the borderland society, but I think that is part of this novel's greatness. It takes the time to show that a community and a society create a web that sustains, pushes and hampers individuals. At the end of the book, Gomez's acceptance the American ideal of individualism that is put to use towards scaffolding an ideology that neglects whole swaths of people is that much more crushing because of those meanderings.
I cannot recommend this book enough and I think it needs to be part of a canon of not only Chicano literature, but of literature that explores the contradictions and conflicts inherent to representing ourselves as American.
July 10, 2012
The Américo Paredes novel “George Washington Gómez” chronicles a story of a Chicano as he struggles with the conflicting cultural forces within the Anglo and Mexican cultures. His life story parallels that of other Chicanos/as by the effects of living in a dual culture. To be born in America, and being of Mexican decent, forces the person into a new identity. The Chicano/a cannot claim to be Anglo or Mexican, because they do not fit the profile of Anglo American or Mexican national; their identity exists in a gray area somewhere between.
How can we determine whether something is “real” versus the inauthentic? One example we can use is the word originality, as in contrast to a mere copy. A copy that is represented as an original but is not genuine, because it imitates something else. For instance, currency; to counterfeit is to make a copy of with the intent to deceive. In a sense, this is an imitation of something “superior”, but the “superiority” of the original seems like a false notion when we speak of cultural identity; for the Chicano to assimilate would be like forging his or her likeness. This would be the inauthentic, for the Chicano.
But as with anything which is “counterfeit”, there is always something that gives it away. For instance, some Anglos and Mexican nationals view Chicanos as not quite American or Mexican. We sound like them, we eat similar foods and share various cultural beliefs, yet there is that one piece or many pieces which just does not quite fit. Although, the reasons for rejecting the Chicano/a as a full fledged American or Mexican can differ, the point is that the hegemonic race rules; identity is decided by the inclusive, and people on the edge suffer the angst of being borderline. “By naming ourselves, we affirm our own identity; we define by separating ourselves from others, to whom we give names different from our own” (156 Saldívar). So we invent words, places and things in order to express what is inside of us, but being careful not to offend others. Although we do our best to speak with our best English or speak Spanish, it is our own Chicano lingo which exposes us as “imitators”.
How can we determine whether something is “real” versus the inauthentic? One example we can use is the word originality, as in contrast to a mere copy. A copy that is represented as an original but is not genuine, because it imitates something else. For instance, currency; to counterfeit is to make a copy of with the intent to deceive. In a sense, this is an imitation of something “superior”, but the “superiority” of the original seems like a false notion when we speak of cultural identity; for the Chicano to assimilate would be like forging his or her likeness. This would be the inauthentic, for the Chicano.
But as with anything which is “counterfeit”, there is always something that gives it away. For instance, some Anglos and Mexican nationals view Chicanos as not quite American or Mexican. We sound like them, we eat similar foods and share various cultural beliefs, yet there is that one piece or many pieces which just does not quite fit. Although, the reasons for rejecting the Chicano/a as a full fledged American or Mexican can differ, the point is that the hegemonic race rules; identity is decided by the inclusive, and people on the edge suffer the angst of being borderline. “By naming ourselves, we affirm our own identity; we define by separating ourselves from others, to whom we give names different from our own” (156 Saldívar). So we invent words, places and things in order to express what is inside of us, but being careful not to offend others. Although we do our best to speak with our best English or speak Spanish, it is our own Chicano lingo which exposes us as “imitators”.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2011
Américo Paredes: Godfather of American Chicano fiction?
The introductory note says that Paredes wrote George Washington Gomez over many years, as something of a labor-of-love side project, and in between his other career and family responsibilities. The book wasn't published until he was much older -- and without any real revision on Paredes's part.
In other words, this book is a rough draft, an historical artifact, and I suppose the implication is that its narrative weaknesses should be forgiven on those grounds. Its politics and ideology should take precedence over the unpolished dialogue and awkward pacing. If the protagonist has been having dreams of himself as Santa Ana in the Battle of the Alamo since he was a child -- this is great Chicano novel fodder, by the way -- shouldn't we have read about it before the last section of the book? This is a good story with likable characters and some real tension, and it's easy to recommend. But I can't help but think that with a bit of editorial scrutiny it would have been a great book.
I'll say what I've said for most of the books I've read as part of this Early Mexican-American Fiction class I'm taking: Read it because it's important -- not because it's fun.
The introductory note says that Paredes wrote George Washington Gomez over many years, as something of a labor-of-love side project, and in between his other career and family responsibilities. The book wasn't published until he was much older -- and without any real revision on Paredes's part.
In other words, this book is a rough draft, an historical artifact, and I suppose the implication is that its narrative weaknesses should be forgiven on those grounds. Its politics and ideology should take precedence over the unpolished dialogue and awkward pacing. If the protagonist has been having dreams of himself as Santa Ana in the Battle of the Alamo since he was a child -- this is great Chicano novel fodder, by the way -- shouldn't we have read about it before the last section of the book? This is a good story with likable characters and some real tension, and it's easy to recommend. But I can't help but think that with a bit of editorial scrutiny it would have been a great book.
I'll say what I've said for most of the books I've read as part of this Early Mexican-American Fiction class I'm taking: Read it because it's important -- not because it's fun.
December 13, 2018
I believe Act 2 (Parts 2 &3) are the core of this book, while the beginning and end are lackluster. The theme of identity is interesting and make the book worth reading, but overall some bland background weighs down what could be a must read. Everyone struggles with identity and who you are in certain situations, and this book nails it on the head at certain points.
June 25, 2010
This book is amazing, and it's a must read for, well, everyone. Very bittersweet and heartrending. This book covers a lot of ground: racism, education, family, religion and much more.
May 25, 2012
An important tale well told. Americo Paredes wrote this book in one draft -- an amazing feat and well worth reading for that example and much more, regarding life on the border in south Texas.
October 27, 2025
didnt see the espionage arc coming but ok
January 23, 2021
“He wouldn’t kill anybody.”
“Of course not. Why do you ask?”
“Because, if Santa Claus is so good, how can he be a Gringo too?”
For my English degree I’m required to take a diversity literature course. I chose Latino Literature since my hometown didn’t have much Hispanic representation and since I live in Texas now, I thought I should expand my horizons in this class. This was the first novel we read in my class, and I enjoyed it so much.
Almost the entirety of the novel is during George “Guálinto” Washington Gómez’s childhood and teenage years as he grows up in Texas. Guálinto looks white, has red hair and blue eyes, but is a Mexican immigrant who deals with his split identities as an American and a Mexican. His father names him George Washington because he has high hopes for him to become a leader of “his people,” and Guálinto has to take on this responsibility expected of him since birth.
As I read this, I felt so close to Guálinto. Paredes has an amazing way of getting the childlike voice so right, and I just loved him throughout the novel. Several moments are heart-breaking and you can’t help but cheer for him even as he has conflicts with those who are close to him. Not only is it about his identity and conflicts of race, but it’s about Texan history, Texas Rangers and the real horrors they inflicted on Mexican-Americans in the early 1900s (which most Americans don’t learn about in history class), and religious doubt. All-in-all, a great book with amazing writing, a wonderful main character, and attention to an often over-looked experience.
Due to the fact Paredes wrote this when he was young, the ending is incredibly abrupt. I had so many emotions at the end and it’s the sole reason I didn’t give this book five stars. Still SO worth the read and I don’t regret it at all, but it was something I felt strongly about that I’ll definitely get into in the spoiler review.
I don’t think a lot of Anglo-Americans, including myself, quite understand the harmful effects of assimilation in the United States and this is really an eye-opener. I think it’s a book everyone could learn from or relate to, although Paredes wrote it in English in order for Anglo-Americans to recognize the anti-assimilation message he wanted to convey. I wish this book was taught in high schools and just everywhere instead of being a book with a relatively small following compared to the other “greats.” It’s important for minorities who might connect with it or know someone who is like Guálinto and for Anglo-Americans to understand others and the harm they don’t experience.
I hate that this is such a short and bland review for such a great book, but I feel like most of my feelings are connected with spoilers! Basically, this is an amazing character-driven story with a protagonist I truly and deeply cared about. Could’ve been a rare 5-star book!
“Of course not. Why do you ask?”
“Because, if Santa Claus is so good, how can he be a Gringo too?”
For my English degree I’m required to take a diversity literature course. I chose Latino Literature since my hometown didn’t have much Hispanic representation and since I live in Texas now, I thought I should expand my horizons in this class. This was the first novel we read in my class, and I enjoyed it so much.
Almost the entirety of the novel is during George “Guálinto” Washington Gómez’s childhood and teenage years as he grows up in Texas. Guálinto looks white, has red hair and blue eyes, but is a Mexican immigrant who deals with his split identities as an American and a Mexican. His father names him George Washington because he has high hopes for him to become a leader of “his people,” and Guálinto has to take on this responsibility expected of him since birth.
As I read this, I felt so close to Guálinto. Paredes has an amazing way of getting the childlike voice so right, and I just loved him throughout the novel. Several moments are heart-breaking and you can’t help but cheer for him even as he has conflicts with those who are close to him. Not only is it about his identity and conflicts of race, but it’s about Texan history, Texas Rangers and the real horrors they inflicted on Mexican-Americans in the early 1900s (which most Americans don’t learn about in history class), and religious doubt. All-in-all, a great book with amazing writing, a wonderful main character, and attention to an often over-looked experience.
Due to the fact Paredes wrote this when he was young, the ending is incredibly abrupt. I had so many emotions at the end and it’s the sole reason I didn’t give this book five stars. Still SO worth the read and I don’t regret it at all, but it was something I felt strongly about that I’ll definitely get into in the spoiler review.
I don’t think a lot of Anglo-Americans, including myself, quite understand the harmful effects of assimilation in the United States and this is really an eye-opener. I think it’s a book everyone could learn from or relate to, although Paredes wrote it in English in order for Anglo-Americans to recognize the anti-assimilation message he wanted to convey. I wish this book was taught in high schools and just everywhere instead of being a book with a relatively small following compared to the other “greats.” It’s important for minorities who might connect with it or know someone who is like Guálinto and for Anglo-Americans to understand others and the harm they don’t experience.
I hate that this is such a short and bland review for such a great book, but I feel like most of my feelings are connected with spoilers! Basically, this is an amazing character-driven story with a protagonist I truly and deeply cared about. Could’ve been a rare 5-star book!
September 17, 2019
Expect the unexpected, or is it expected? After all the twists and turns, the ending has me thinking...was it really that unexpected to see what Guálinto evolved into? I can see his tale, in many other tales, in many other people and especially in a contemporary context. Leave behind their culture, their people, and everything that has made them be who they became in order to live the "American Dream." A leader of his people...that has me thinking...Perplexing...What a sad realistic transformation.
May 6, 2017
Citation: Paredes, Americo. George Washington Gomez: A Mexicotexan Novel. Arte Publico Pres. 1990.
Genre: Fiction
Summary and Analysis: George Washington Gomez: A Mexicotexan Novel by Americo Paredes is a novel about a young man who is Chicano/Mexican, but lives between two worlds: US and Mexico. As the protagonist grows older, he questions his identity - does he belong to the USA, taken that he looks like a person from the US - light skinned as he is; or does he belong to Mexico, where his roots are placed? These questions are greatly pondered when the protagonist experiences discrimination, not only by himself, but with his friends who are also from Hispanic heritage. The story/plot gets intense because sooner or later Gomez must choose a side, or choose to forever be ostracized. Which side will he choose? Is there another way out? What are the consequences? So many questions to answer and so little time to answer them in this amazing novel of identity!
Teaching ideas: I think that this book, although it has heavy literary content, I think should also be placed in a creative writing course to be able to be used as an example for new writers to learn how to write literature because even though a creative writing course is meant to learn how to write, it could also teach its students to learn how to write in a literary way and that way be able to increase their chances of getting published? I think that this book is very important when it comes to identity that I would first show my class a brief history of the subject: the separation of Mexico territories and the consequences it had for the people. The write an essay about it.
Genre: Fiction
Summary and Analysis: George Washington Gomez: A Mexicotexan Novel by Americo Paredes is a novel about a young man who is Chicano/Mexican, but lives between two worlds: US and Mexico. As the protagonist grows older, he questions his identity - does he belong to the USA, taken that he looks like a person from the US - light skinned as he is; or does he belong to Mexico, where his roots are placed? These questions are greatly pondered when the protagonist experiences discrimination, not only by himself, but with his friends who are also from Hispanic heritage. The story/plot gets intense because sooner or later Gomez must choose a side, or choose to forever be ostracized. Which side will he choose? Is there another way out? What are the consequences? So many questions to answer and so little time to answer them in this amazing novel of identity!
Teaching ideas: I think that this book, although it has heavy literary content, I think should also be placed in a creative writing course to be able to be used as an example for new writers to learn how to write literature because even though a creative writing course is meant to learn how to write, it could also teach its students to learn how to write in a literary way and that way be able to increase their chances of getting published? I think that this book is very important when it comes to identity that I would first show my class a brief history of the subject: the separation of Mexico territories and the consequences it had for the people. The write an essay about it.
January 7, 2024
A terrific, complex novel that integrates the history of the effects of the violence and racial terror of the Texas Rangers; the the afterlife of post-revolutionary Mexican soldiers along the US-Mexican border; the relatively little-known history of Mexican seditionists; the dissolution of a folk, agrarian lifeworld; and to negotiations, limitations, and possibilities of a new generation of Mexican Americans as they try to adapt to Anglo political and economic dominance in the majority Mexican region of South Texas. The language and literary techniques feel more contemporary than one would expect a novel written nearly 100 years ago now.
Paredes wrote this novel between 1936-1940 and updated it minimally for publication in the early 1990s. What strikes me about reading this for maybe the third time, here in the year 2024, is that while many in this new generation of Latinxs (or Latina/o/e…whatever you prefer) disparage the Chicano Movement for its many problems (legitimate criticisms abound), when you read the ending and realize that even a progressive imaginary like Paredes’ could not envision an alternative and more satisfying outcome for our protagonist, I think one can appreciate the radical nature of the Chicana/o ethnic consciousness for this early generation of Mexican Americans. It’s a movement and a history that is still generative for me and I think we might do well to continue to learn from their creative work and political thought.
Paredes wrote this novel between 1936-1940 and updated it minimally for publication in the early 1990s. What strikes me about reading this for maybe the third time, here in the year 2024, is that while many in this new generation of Latinxs (or Latina/o/e…whatever you prefer) disparage the Chicano Movement for its many problems (legitimate criticisms abound), when you read the ending and realize that even a progressive imaginary like Paredes’ could not envision an alternative and more satisfying outcome for our protagonist, I think one can appreciate the radical nature of the Chicana/o ethnic consciousness for this early generation of Mexican Americans. It’s a movement and a history that is still generative for me and I think we might do well to continue to learn from their creative work and political thought.
April 25, 2018
When I first cracked open George Washington Gomez, I wasn't pulled immediately into it. With a detailed historical narrative about life along the border post-Texas Revolution, I didn't have much interest in the time and place. But what failed to grip me at first later developed into what made me appreciate Paredes' work the most; from start to finish, Paredes creates a story line that explores every influence of Mexican-Americans in the early 1900s. From the impact of rinches and rebels dominating the South to the basic struggle of enrolling your brown child in an American school, Paredes works in the stifled strife that lines a universal pursuit of greatness that almost all Chicanx individuals can relate and often root back to the plight of their ancestors. This lengthy and detailed work explores pressures to align with American success while staying true to Mexican heritage. George Washington Gomez makes you question what it means to be "a leader of your people" and understand the complexities of loyalty for Mexican-Americans living in the South. I recommend this for the historical fiction enthusiast and the Latinx reader curious about the humble beginnings of Chicanx equality in the South.
April 16, 2018
This book was so moving for me, on so many levels.
First as the author himself an RGV native and Tejano, I’m inspired thoroughly for his achievements both academically and artistically. As a professor at UT and creator of the university’s Center for Mexican American Studies, I hope to have such an impact and substantial support for academia and Mexican American culture. As a tejano and recording artist myself, I’m also inspired by his unwavering pursuit to balance his music career and academic profession—i only hope to be just as unabashed, unashamed, and influential.
But the work itself spoke to me, writing for me, and answering questions i didn’t know were voicing themselves deep behind him every thought. The struggle both past and present for the Tejano has given me solidarity beyond the art and into the very form of my identity. I’m grateful for reading this work, and discovering this inspiring artist. I hope others read more and learn as I have. Rest In Peace Americo—you’ll live forever in our minds and hearts.
First as the author himself an RGV native and Tejano, I’m inspired thoroughly for his achievements both academically and artistically. As a professor at UT and creator of the university’s Center for Mexican American Studies, I hope to have such an impact and substantial support for academia and Mexican American culture. As a tejano and recording artist myself, I’m also inspired by his unwavering pursuit to balance his music career and academic profession—i only hope to be just as unabashed, unashamed, and influential.
But the work itself spoke to me, writing for me, and answering questions i didn’t know were voicing themselves deep behind him every thought. The struggle both past and present for the Tejano has given me solidarity beyond the art and into the very form of my identity. I’m grateful for reading this work, and discovering this inspiring artist. I hope others read more and learn as I have. Rest In Peace Americo—you’ll live forever in our minds and hearts.
February 21, 2018
Devastating tale of growing up on the US/Mexican border. Paredes has an eye for anthropology, dialing in the emotions and landscapes of the Southwest. His text is made off of full, real characters, and he places those characters in a roiling desert of stories, tradition, and transition. The story continues to hurt you as it goes on, but it does not punish.
Reading Paredes work makes me want to learn more of the conflicts surrounding literary identities, as this is essentially a racial conflict scaled down to one individual. Gualinto experiences the contradictions of being a TexasMexican is every chapter. He hears the traditions and history of his people, while being pushed to renounce that identity for the AngloAmerican way. The conflicts are never presented simply as self-hatred, but there is an evolution of identities and an evolution of conflict to compliment the ever changing sense of Gualinto/George Washington.
Reading Paredes work makes me want to learn more of the conflicts surrounding literary identities, as this is essentially a racial conflict scaled down to one individual. Gualinto experiences the contradictions of being a TexasMexican is every chapter. He hears the traditions and history of his people, while being pushed to renounce that identity for the AngloAmerican way. The conflicts are never presented simply as self-hatred, but there is an evolution of identities and an evolution of conflict to compliment the ever changing sense of Gualinto/George Washington.
September 15, 2015
a bitter coming of age story for a tejano boy on the Texas and Mexican border in the early 20th century. deals with the conflict between Anglo and tejano culture, and how having one foot in each world as a young person creates a rift in personal identity. raised to be a leader of his people, gw Gomez comes to despise mexicanos, believing them culturally inferior to (white) Americans. ends up being a thoroughly unlikeable character through a bildungsroman type narrative. terrible characterization of women
themes: anti-mexicanism, manliness, nationalism, formal education, poverty, physical violence, settler nativism, house ownership, world war, Depression, unwed teen pregnancy, American Dream for people of color
themes: anti-mexicanism, manliness, nationalism, formal education, poverty, physical violence, settler nativism, house ownership, world war, Depression, unwed teen pregnancy, American Dream for people of color
February 27, 2019
I really liked the way Paredes tackled identity in this book and painted a picture on how difficult it was during this time to grow up in two different cultures and expect to only live in one. Guálinto's development was fascinating to see, and I was engrossed in some of George Washington Gómez's major events.
At times, the novel did move slow, and there were a few passages regarding women and the final part I wasn't the biggest fan of (poor Guálinto. While he is happy with his career, it seems he has thrown a lot of things away in order to claim a stake in it). You can tell at parts this was a draft and not a finalized product. Regardless, I still enjoyed moments of this and am looking forward to the other two books I need to read for this course.
At times, the novel did move slow, and there were a few passages regarding women and the final part I wasn't the biggest fan of (poor Guálinto. While he is happy with his career, it seems he has thrown a lot of things away in order to claim a stake in it). You can tell at parts this was a draft and not a finalized product. Regardless, I still enjoyed moments of this and am looking forward to the other two books I need to read for this course.
September 16, 2012
This was a really good book -- compelling story, well-written, and emotionally/socially charged. Not quite a 5 star read -- yes it was quite good, but no where did it "wow" me, the narration often shifted to this weird, distanced exposition that didn't work in the telling, and I'm not sure I ever really cared about more than 3 or 4 characters in the whole book. Other than that though, this is a great read if you're looking for some historical fiction dealing with adaptation and culture along the US/Mexico border.
February 22, 2016
Interesting read. I haven't ever really learned much about Mexican and Texan relations so that was unique for me. It definitely has some great commentary on the situation, but I found the plot to be a bit dry and dull reading. It's certainly unique and it's not like it has pointless development or anything. I just wasn't drawn into the book as much. And it's not necessarily my cup of tea either. But it's still well written and I'm glad I've read it. I feel a lot more aware of the situation than ever and it's a shame that we don't talk about this kind of stuff more.
February 9, 2013
This book is a brilliant snapshot of the life and struggle of Mexicans in Texas although it is similar to the struggles of migrants and minorities anywhere around the world. Us Mexicans to the south of the border know it was hard for them but we are not fully aware of how it was. It is a pity that this book is not included in the curriculum of Mexican schools as it would help to put our relationship with the US in a broader context.
January 22, 2016
A must-read for any Tex-Mex, or anyone interested in real cultural history; the reality of 20th century life in Texas, the captured land, for Mexican-Americans is very detailed. Paredes ends with the betrayal of the "revolution" message, evident in the Mexican Revolution of the early 1900s. A very good coming-of-age book, but it falters a little, in my opinion, toward the end. But a great portrait of Mexicotexan-American life.
October 23, 2018
This is a brilliant work of fiction that depicts the tension of the Mexican-Texas border around the time of the Great Depression and World War II. This is a novel that instructs but is also just a joy to read for the humanizing details of the daily life of the protagonist, George Washington Gomez, who goes by the name Gualinto. Paredes masterfully depicts how Gualinto is divided by cultural conflict at the border, and how it effects every aspect of his life.
August 20, 2011
There is a lot more to this book than I thought there would be. And for me, the ending didn't feel to me like it was supposed to be necessarily positive or negative, but just how things are. I learned a lot, but was never bored. I was often nervous, frustrated, annoyed, and relieved, but never bored.
June 6, 2017
English 494: Modern American Fiction - Main characters are Gualinto (title character), Feliciano, Carmen, Maruca, and Nena. A bildungsoman novel. A story that examines the traumatic experiences in childhood that create a guiding chart or map for the adult individual. A brilliant story that I fell in love with. I did not want this one to end.
September 29, 2014
I loved reading this book and although I did not like the ending(it made me sad..), I thought it was for the most part realistic. I cried and laughed as I read this wonderful story about overcoming obstacles as a minority...
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