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The Five Acts of Diego Leon
For readers of The Chaperone and The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love, a thrilling, unforgettable novel about an unusually gifted young man who leaves Mexico for Hollywood in the late 1920s, determined to pursue his dreams-no matter the cost.
July 1917, Mexico: Orphaned by a fever that took his mother's life and a civil war that left his father a broken man, 11-year-old Diego Leon is sent to the provincial capital to live with his aristocratic grandparents. There, they try to forge a new identity for young Diego, rewriting his past and grooming him to take over the family business. The only relief from this suffocating life are his warm, kind music teacher and her son, from whom Diego is inseparable. But when his grandparents force an engagement with a woman he doesn't love, Diego finally snaps, leaving his fractious country behind. He heads for Hollywood, where silent films are just transitioning into "talkies," and Prohibition is in full swing. But thousands of miles from home, in a land full of people out for themselves, will Diego ultimately find the love and acceptance he seeks? In this moving novel about ambition, love and identity, Diego Leon discovers that living your dreams can come at a cost.
July 1917, Mexico: Orphaned by a fever that took his mother's life and a civil war that left his father a broken man, 11-year-old Diego Leon is sent to the provincial capital to live with his aristocratic grandparents. There, they try to forge a new identity for young Diego, rewriting his past and grooming him to take over the family business. The only relief from this suffocating life are his warm, kind music teacher and her son, from whom Diego is inseparable. But when his grandparents force an engagement with a woman he doesn't love, Diego finally snaps, leaving his fractious country behind. He heads for Hollywood, where silent films are just transitioning into "talkies," and Prohibition is in full swing. But thousands of miles from home, in a land full of people out for themselves, will Diego ultimately find the love and acceptance he seeks? In this moving novel about ambition, love and identity, Diego Leon discovers that living your dreams can come at a cost.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 12, 2013
4 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Alex Espinoza
11 books117 followersAlex Espinoza (he/him/his/they) is a queer writer with a disability. He was born in Tijuana, Mexico––on Kumeyaay original lands–– to Purepécha parents from the state of Michoacán and raised in Southern California, on Gabrieliño-Tongva land. His debut novel, Still Water Saints, was published to wide critical acclaim. His second novel, The Five Acts of Diego León, was the winner of a 2014 American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation. Other awards include fellowships from the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Macdowell. He is the author of the nonfiction book Cruising: An Intimate History of a Radical Pastime and has written essays, reviews, and stories for the New York Times Sunday Magazine, Virginia Quarterly Review, the Los Angeles Times, LitHub, and NPR. His short story “Detainment” was selected for inclusion in the 2022 Best American Mystery and Suspense Stories. Alex lives in Los Angeles on Gabrieliño-Tongva land with his husband Kyle and teaches at the University of California, Riverside––within Tongva, Cahuilla, Luiseño & Serrano original lands––where he serves as the Tomás Rivera Endowed Chair and Professor of Creative Writing. His newest novel, The Sons of El Rey, will be published in June, 2024 from Simon and Schuster.
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February 25, 2020
A book that will keep you on the precipice of boredom, Alex Espinoza's "The Five Acts of Diego Leon" recounts the childhood and early life of Mexican-born actor Diego Leon as he traverses growing up in rural Mexico, crossing the border, and fighting to be on screen in Los Angeles.
Diego moves through life determined to make something of himself; to escape his droll upbringing and to be a star. The plot of the book is often built ready to explode, waiting for something to happen to propel the narrative forward. Will Diego finally fall in love with Javier? What is actually happening in the relationship between Bill and Diego? And what of these various women - Fiona, Paloma, and Alicia?
It seems as though Espinoza too often gets muddled in the weeds of setting and time and fails to really build the relationships between his characters; he fails to tell their stories of meeting, of loving, of hurting, and of longing, and this leaves much of the book feeling empty. So often Diego builds connections with other characters, but the reader is left with radio silence. This character silence means "The Five Acts of Diego Leon" will leave you sadly disappointed.
Diego moves through life determined to make something of himself; to escape his droll upbringing and to be a star. The plot of the book is often built ready to explode, waiting for something to happen to propel the narrative forward. Will Diego finally fall in love with Javier? What is actually happening in the relationship between Bill and Diego? And what of these various women - Fiona, Paloma, and Alicia?
It seems as though Espinoza too often gets muddled in the weeds of setting and time and fails to really build the relationships between his characters; he fails to tell their stories of meeting, of loving, of hurting, and of longing, and this leaves much of the book feeling empty. So often Diego builds connections with other characters, but the reader is left with radio silence. This character silence means "The Five Acts of Diego Leon" will leave you sadly disappointed.
February 9, 2021
Alex Espinoza is an incredibly talented and interesting writer. This book feels like it had a lot of great ideas but just wasn't able to stick.
I absolutely loved the entire premise of this story. Mexicans in Hollywood. A completely unheard and forgotten past in the industry. Espinoza is clearly researched in his craft and he has the background to support this.
Diego Leon begins with Diego in Mexico, living during the time of the Mexican Revolution. To be quite honest, that is an entire aspect of history that hasn't been written enough about on its own. Espinoza uses this as a catalyst for Diego to run to America. He deals with themes of sexuality, the brutality of the industry and finding yourself.
The book touches on this concepts but sadly it feels like we can never get the full force for some reason. I look forward to reading Espinoza's other works as I'm absolutely rooting for this fantastic writer.
I absolutely loved the entire premise of this story. Mexicans in Hollywood. A completely unheard and forgotten past in the industry. Espinoza is clearly researched in his craft and he has the background to support this.
Diego Leon begins with Diego in Mexico, living during the time of the Mexican Revolution. To be quite honest, that is an entire aspect of history that hasn't been written enough about on its own. Espinoza uses this as a catalyst for Diego to run to America. He deals with themes of sexuality, the brutality of the industry and finding yourself.
The book touches on this concepts but sadly it feels like we can never get the full force for some reason. I look forward to reading Espinoza's other works as I'm absolutely rooting for this fantastic writer.
April 26, 2013
I read to the end even though I wasn't into it. It was obviously researched, & the portrayal of Hollywood scrabbling in the period was interesting here & there. I liked the "first act," set in a small Mexican town, best. After that the nice little kid becomes totally compliant with his class-conscious grandparents in the city, which is understandable, but when his music teacher encourages him to pursue his passion for music & dancing, that mutates into acting, & he becomes a heartless jerk who makes every single decision on the basis of his own career & is nice to others only so long as they're serving his interests. And really, really hates it when he notices that others are treating him the same way.
There's a supposed-to-be-epiphany at the very end, but it really has no emotional force because Diego lost his center ages earlier & I had absolutely no confidence that (as his character was constructed) he could change one iota.
Very disappointing.
There's a supposed-to-be-epiphany at the very end, but it really has no emotional force because Diego lost his center ages earlier & I had absolutely no confidence that (as his character was constructed) he could change one iota.
Very disappointing.
Read
November 13, 2022Since October 2017, after the Harvey Weinstein victims spoke out in a unified voice, there is little room for a work like The Five Acts of Diego Leon to have a public space in the art arena without a visceral cringe in disgust away from Alex Espinosa’s protagonist and the other deceitful men in his novel. Maybe I should have read this work before October 2017. But the American cultural landscape is shifting. And going back to seething in silence about the behavior offered in this text is no longer possible. Diego Leon (Cruz / Cortez) is a queer man in the 1920s and 1930s, in a society that does not allow any space for him to be who he is, a queer man. So to that end, Diego lies. As is necessary. Again, and again, and again. At no point does he ever become the kind of hero that one can empathize with or cheer for because his lies devastate the all women in his life. And this devastation is purposeful. It is this purposeful, cruel, and callous indifference that is no longer “art worthy” after October 2017.
So, I can’t offer the depth of empathy to Diego Leon (Cruz/Cortez) for which this author seems to be reaching. Diego Leon abandons Elva, his indigenous grandmother when he has more than enough money to provide for her into her old age. Instead he leaves her to a pauper’s death. Layer onto this financial abandonment the rejection of his indigenous history. At no point is there ever an indigenous voice to speak against the bigotry indigenous men and women confront in Mexico from the European upper class. (The perspective of an authentic indigenous voice needs its own detailed review. Looking for reviews by indigenous Mexicanos to offer one, but have not seen one on Goodreads.)
Diego Leon participates in breaking the heart of a young woman, Paloma, who has done nothing to deserve such heartbreak. He leaves his fiance on the day they are to be married. He could have put an end to the charade of a heterosexual marriage in some other way than abandoning Paloma and humiliating her on the day of their marriage. Instead, the reader is supposed to feel compassion for Diego’s deception because what he really wants and can’t have is an intimate relationship with Javier. The Grandfather, sensing Diego’s marital reticence, encourages him to behave indifferently to his future wife. The grandfather, Doroteo, openly brags about extramarital relationships to get the sexual gratification that he wants and encourages Diego Leon to do the same thing - mistakenly believing that Diego is reluctant to marry out of a heterosexual desire to have many sexual conquests. Again, the indifference to the pain caused to the women in their lives is beyond staggering.
Later, the reader learns that Carolina, Diego’s first theatre coach, has left her husband because of his infidelities. The repeated motif of betraying women without a single female voice challenging this disgusting norm leaves me completely unable to offer any empathy to Diego in his heartbroken rejection from Bill Cage. Diego simply receives what he has offered to all the women in his life - callous, indifferent betrayal.
When Diego arrives in Hollywood, he engages in a deceitful relationship with Fiona. She is clear in her desire to ultimately have marriage and a family, and Diego says the “I love you” words to her, leading Fiona to believe that her desires are his as well. It is necessary for him to offer this lie so he can maintain a facade of heterosexuality in an industry that does not forgive queerness. The duration of his relationship with Fiona, he cheats on her with Bill Cage, the Harvey Weinstein villain of the novel. Like Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cage sexually exploits the actors who want to “become stars”. He allows Diego to throw himself at him, offer up his body, and pleasure him in exchange for starring roles in studio scripts/productions. Diego should be offered compassion when Bill ultimately rejects him, but no female reader can surely give this nincompoop any compassion. Diego has done all along to women what Bill does to every man he makes a star.
Diego then has another circle of women around him whom he uses for appearances, including Alicia Prado. He allows himself to be seen with a beautiful woman (mind you, she’s using him as well), so he can maintain an appearance of virile, masculine heterosexuality. At the end of this novel, when it’s too late to challenge the deceptions, the misrepresentations, the belittlements, Diego can’t receive too much credibility in his sudden moral epiphany. After all, Diego began his acting career by playing Brutus, the backstabber who killed a friend. After being influenced by a fictional representation of Mexican Revolutionaries to be a fictional good father to a fictional son, Diego decides that in real life he’ll be a good father to his real son. Why couldn’t Diego have been persuaded by actual realities to be a good man in general? Yes, people are capable of changing, but Diego can’t be a creep for 99% of the novel, and then in the last 1% decide fatherhood matters to him.
The concluding 1% simply doesn’t hold with the previous 99%.
Where are the female voices to call out this disgusting behavior? Fiona speaks to Diego in ameliorating tones, as if somehow she forgives him. Which she may well feel. But how did she get to that place of tranquil forgiveness? And is it plausible to be so betrayed over and over, and then one year later be in that elevated zen space of forgiveness? Most women wouldn’t let Diego back in the door. Instead, she tells Diego that she will make sure their son knows who her father is, as if this will be a point of pride for the son. Why would a son be proud to call a serial deceiver a father? Why would a good loving mother want that model for her son? It’s as if Alex Espinosa doesn’t have a feminist bone in his body!
I’m still glad I read this work in my quest to read all things Latinx/Chicanx/Hispanic for one year. What I can take from this work is a new understanding of why Mexicans continued to come to America after the Mexican Revolution was over. Alex Espinosa weaves in Mexican history, particularly reference to Article 130 of the 1917 Mexican Constitution - when schools are secularized. The conflict between church and state leads to continued deaths. Religious persecution under a communist leadership pushes people into exile, and thus they immigrate to the US.
I’m also quite curious to read more about Mexican communists who came to America to help American workers unionize. I’m curious if there is any direct connection between Mexican communism and the racist “repatriation” of US citizens back to Mexico, or Mexican communism and the sharp rise of anti-communism that lead to the McCarthy Era. Alex Espinosa’s work has inspired me to do more research and reading. I can say that I love reading an author’s work where the research and history is craftily woven into the plot, but this love of learning can never diminish the tremendous disgust I have for an unchallenged and normalized behavior of deceiving and belittling women to get ahead in life.
Last question - Why is the cover a woman? The protagonist of this story is a macho, sexy, Latin Lover, not a high class woman.
So, I can’t offer the depth of empathy to Diego Leon (Cruz/Cortez) for which this author seems to be reaching. Diego Leon abandons Elva, his indigenous grandmother when he has more than enough money to provide for her into her old age. Instead he leaves her to a pauper’s death. Layer onto this financial abandonment the rejection of his indigenous history. At no point is there ever an indigenous voice to speak against the bigotry indigenous men and women confront in Mexico from the European upper class. (The perspective of an authentic indigenous voice needs its own detailed review. Looking for reviews by indigenous Mexicanos to offer one, but have not seen one on Goodreads.)
Diego Leon participates in breaking the heart of a young woman, Paloma, who has done nothing to deserve such heartbreak. He leaves his fiance on the day they are to be married. He could have put an end to the charade of a heterosexual marriage in some other way than abandoning Paloma and humiliating her on the day of their marriage. Instead, the reader is supposed to feel compassion for Diego’s deception because what he really wants and can’t have is an intimate relationship with Javier. The Grandfather, sensing Diego’s marital reticence, encourages him to behave indifferently to his future wife. The grandfather, Doroteo, openly brags about extramarital relationships to get the sexual gratification that he wants and encourages Diego Leon to do the same thing - mistakenly believing that Diego is reluctant to marry out of a heterosexual desire to have many sexual conquests. Again, the indifference to the pain caused to the women in their lives is beyond staggering.
Later, the reader learns that Carolina, Diego’s first theatre coach, has left her husband because of his infidelities. The repeated motif of betraying women without a single female voice challenging this disgusting norm leaves me completely unable to offer any empathy to Diego in his heartbroken rejection from Bill Cage. Diego simply receives what he has offered to all the women in his life - callous, indifferent betrayal.
When Diego arrives in Hollywood, he engages in a deceitful relationship with Fiona. She is clear in her desire to ultimately have marriage and a family, and Diego says the “I love you” words to her, leading Fiona to believe that her desires are his as well. It is necessary for him to offer this lie so he can maintain a facade of heterosexuality in an industry that does not forgive queerness. The duration of his relationship with Fiona, he cheats on her with Bill Cage, the Harvey Weinstein villain of the novel. Like Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cage sexually exploits the actors who want to “become stars”. He allows Diego to throw himself at him, offer up his body, and pleasure him in exchange for starring roles in studio scripts/productions. Diego should be offered compassion when Bill ultimately rejects him, but no female reader can surely give this nincompoop any compassion. Diego has done all along to women what Bill does to every man he makes a star.
Diego then has another circle of women around him whom he uses for appearances, including Alicia Prado. He allows himself to be seen with a beautiful woman (mind you, she’s using him as well), so he can maintain an appearance of virile, masculine heterosexuality. At the end of this novel, when it’s too late to challenge the deceptions, the misrepresentations, the belittlements, Diego can’t receive too much credibility in his sudden moral epiphany. After all, Diego began his acting career by playing Brutus, the backstabber who killed a friend. After being influenced by a fictional representation of Mexican Revolutionaries to be a fictional good father to a fictional son, Diego decides that in real life he’ll be a good father to his real son. Why couldn’t Diego have been persuaded by actual realities to be a good man in general? Yes, people are capable of changing, but Diego can’t be a creep for 99% of the novel, and then in the last 1% decide fatherhood matters to him.
The concluding 1% simply doesn’t hold with the previous 99%.
Where are the female voices to call out this disgusting behavior? Fiona speaks to Diego in ameliorating tones, as if somehow she forgives him. Which she may well feel. But how did she get to that place of tranquil forgiveness? And is it plausible to be so betrayed over and over, and then one year later be in that elevated zen space of forgiveness? Most women wouldn’t let Diego back in the door. Instead, she tells Diego that she will make sure their son knows who her father is, as if this will be a point of pride for the son. Why would a son be proud to call a serial deceiver a father? Why would a good loving mother want that model for her son? It’s as if Alex Espinosa doesn’t have a feminist bone in his body!
I’m still glad I read this work in my quest to read all things Latinx/Chicanx/Hispanic for one year. What I can take from this work is a new understanding of why Mexicans continued to come to America after the Mexican Revolution was over. Alex Espinosa weaves in Mexican history, particularly reference to Article 130 of the 1917 Mexican Constitution - when schools are secularized. The conflict between church and state leads to continued deaths. Religious persecution under a communist leadership pushes people into exile, and thus they immigrate to the US.
I’m also quite curious to read more about Mexican communists who came to America to help American workers unionize. I’m curious if there is any direct connection between Mexican communism and the racist “repatriation” of US citizens back to Mexico, or Mexican communism and the sharp rise of anti-communism that lead to the McCarthy Era. Alex Espinosa’s work has inspired me to do more research and reading. I can say that I love reading an author’s work where the research and history is craftily woven into the plot, but this love of learning can never diminish the tremendous disgust I have for an unchallenged and normalized behavior of deceiving and belittling women to get ahead in life.
Last question - Why is the cover a woman? The protagonist of this story is a macho, sexy, Latin Lover, not a high class woman.
June 7, 2020
The life of Diego unraveled before my eyes. And what strikes me the most is his perseverance - is remarkable! Who would have thought that a poor peasant from a small village would grow up to be a famous actor? Sure, we all desire fame and fortune, but, really, how many of us truly get there? I was amazed, page by page, seeing how mentally stable he is, he doesn't despair, doesn't suffer any mental breakdown or depression, even though sometimes he only has pennies in his pockets and he is forced to steal an apple to eat. His head is high and he remains focused on his goal of being famous, even if that means he has to scrape floors for a living.
I really admired his courage to leave behind a comfortable life, in order to follow an uncertain dream. He should be an example for all of us who struggle day by day in a boring office, a plain existence, only to dream of a better life at night, before we go to sleep.
Diego is sensitive at heart, has the soul of an artist, but he doesn't hesitate when he has to lie and cheat, to get where he wants in life. And we take his side and can't blame him. And it is a lie that puts him in the spotlight. He craves for passion, passion for life, passion for a woman (or a man), and yet his heart only beats faster on the set, when he does what he loves.
It is amazing how nothing is certain in life, Diego goes from being a poor peasant, to a grandson of a wealthy family, to being broke in Hollywood, and then to being a star.
An example of strength and mental clarity. A masterpiece.
I really admired his courage to leave behind a comfortable life, in order to follow an uncertain dream. He should be an example for all of us who struggle day by day in a boring office, a plain existence, only to dream of a better life at night, before we go to sleep.
Diego is sensitive at heart, has the soul of an artist, but he doesn't hesitate when he has to lie and cheat, to get where he wants in life. And we take his side and can't blame him. And it is a lie that puts him in the spotlight. He craves for passion, passion for life, passion for a woman (or a man), and yet his heart only beats faster on the set, when he does what he loves.
It is amazing how nothing is certain in life, Diego goes from being a poor peasant, to a grandson of a wealthy family, to being broke in Hollywood, and then to being a star.
An example of strength and mental clarity. A masterpiece.
June 12, 2020
The life of Diego unraveled before my eyes. And what strikes me the most is his perseverance - is remarkable! Who would have thought that a poor peasant from a small village would grow up to be a famous actor? Sure, we all desire fame and fortune, but, really, how many of us truly get there? I was amazed, page by page, seeing how mentally stable he is, he doesn't despair, doesn't suffer any mental breakdown or depression, even though sometimes he only has pennies in his pockets and he is forced to steal an apple to eat. His head is high and he remains focused on his goal of being famous, even if that means he has to scrape floors for a living.
I really admired his courage to leave behind a comfortable life, in order to follow an uncertain dream. He should be an example for all of us who struggle day by day in a boring office, a plain existence, only to dream of a better life at night, before we go to sleep.
Diego is sensitive at heart, has the soul of an artist, but he doesn't hesitate when he has to lie and cheat, to get where he wants in life. And we take his side and can't blame him. And it is a lie that puts him in the spotlight. He craves for passion, passion for life, passion for a woman (or a man), and yet his heart only beats faster on the set, when he does what he loves.
It is amazing how nothing is certain in life, Diego goes from being a poor peasant, to a grandson of a wealthy family, to being broke in Hollywood, and then to being a star.
An example of strength and mental clarity. A masterpiece.
I really admired his courage to leave behind a comfortable life, in order to follow an uncertain dream. He should be an example for all of us who struggle day by day in a boring office, a plain existence, only to dream of a better life at night, before we go to sleep.
Diego is sensitive at heart, has the soul of an artist, but he doesn't hesitate when he has to lie and cheat, to get where he wants in life. And we take his side and can't blame him. And it is a lie that puts him in the spotlight. He craves for passion, passion for life, passion for a woman (or a man), and yet his heart only beats faster on the set, when he does what he loves.
It is amazing how nothing is certain in life, Diego goes from being a poor peasant, to a grandson of a wealthy family, to being broke in Hollywood, and then to being a star.
An example of strength and mental clarity. A masterpiece.
October 4, 2021
“Diego knew which side he was on: his own.” (P. 237)
This line sums up the book. I wanted so much more from this, and there were so many opportunities for more. The main character is a narcissist that turns his back on his family, his heritage, and even his own identity. He sacrifices every single relationship to try to get ahead.
But fine, let that be the story. The problem is that the author seems to get caught up on different story lines and unimportant details. I kept waiting for it to take a turn but instead, the story meandered on… slowly.
I was an engaged audience member in act II, learning about the political climate of Mexico and the scene from the train, but there was little focus on the details. I wanted to learn more about why this was happening and it was a missed opportunity.
The characters throughout just lacked depth.
Again, in act IV we could have learned more about events taking place during that time. Or explored more
About Diego’s own identity crisis, but the whole book seems centered around his selfishness and lots of details about the movies that don’t add to the plot of the book.
This was a frustrating read and I felt like it could have taken a different direction so that the reader walked away learning things. Instead, I am questioning the meaning of life and hating Diego for his choices.
This line sums up the book. I wanted so much more from this, and there were so many opportunities for more. The main character is a narcissist that turns his back on his family, his heritage, and even his own identity. He sacrifices every single relationship to try to get ahead.
But fine, let that be the story. The problem is that the author seems to get caught up on different story lines and unimportant details. I kept waiting for it to take a turn but instead, the story meandered on… slowly.
I was an engaged audience member in act II, learning about the political climate of Mexico and the scene from the train, but there was little focus on the details. I wanted to learn more about why this was happening and it was a missed opportunity.
The characters throughout just lacked depth.
Again, in act IV we could have learned more about events taking place during that time. Or explored more
About Diego’s own identity crisis, but the whole book seems centered around his selfishness and lots of details about the movies that don’t add to the plot of the book.
This was a frustrating read and I felt like it could have taken a different direction so that the reader walked away learning things. Instead, I am questioning the meaning of life and hating Diego for his choices.
July 30, 2021
This is a book I actually liked. I felt that it was short though. I read it in record speed and the author had me at the first page. It ended in a somewhat poetic justice type of way, and I loved that!
June 24, 2013
http://www.hcn.org/issues/45.11/actin...
from High Country News
Diego León, the protagonist of Alex Espinoza's second novel, makes his way to the U.S. during the turmoil of the Mexican revolution, hoping to achieve stardom at a time when Hollywood's major studios each "had a Latin actor under contract." Espinoza, who was born in Tijuana and now lives in California, vividly evokes a series of worlds, from the prosaic realities of rural Mexico in 1911 to the merciless studio system behind the glamour of Hollywood's 1930s golden age.
The Five Acts of Diego León begins with Diego's childhood in a poor village in Michoacán, Mexico, where he lives with his mother, who grew up privileged in the province's capital before eloping with Diego's half-P'urhépecha father. Diego discovers his own love for performing during a dance for the feast day of the town's patron saint. "The more he moved, the louder the crowd cheered him on, the more they applauded, and the happier he felt."
Tragedy forces Diego to join his wealthy grandparents in the capital, and they educate him and give him music lessons while grooming him to take over the family business and get married. But Diego has realized he is gay, a secret he shares with no one. As plans for his future become fixed, he flees Mexico for Hollywood to pursue his show-business dreams.
Diego evolves from a sweet and sensitive boy into a dashing but calculating man who will do anything to achieve his goals. A secretary at the central casting office tells him, "Don't be so honest. In this town, people get rich by fibbing and go nowhere fast when they tell the truth."
Espinoza shows how every gay man in this closeted era was a kind of actor, whether they worked in movies or not, and how ethnic performers concealed their origins to project the aura approved by Hollywood. As Diego's career rises, he becomes increasingly entangled in lies, performing stock roles in stereotype-filled movies. He wonders if it's even possible for a gay Mexican to establish a settled and happy existence in Depression-era America.
In telling the story of one fictional character, The Five Acts of Diego León invites readers to ponder the many real people in the past -- and even the present -- who have been forced to conceal their true identities, keeping secrets but sometimes channeling their hidden angst into art.
from High Country News
Diego León, the protagonist of Alex Espinoza's second novel, makes his way to the U.S. during the turmoil of the Mexican revolution, hoping to achieve stardom at a time when Hollywood's major studios each "had a Latin actor under contract." Espinoza, who was born in Tijuana and now lives in California, vividly evokes a series of worlds, from the prosaic realities of rural Mexico in 1911 to the merciless studio system behind the glamour of Hollywood's 1930s golden age.
The Five Acts of Diego León begins with Diego's childhood in a poor village in Michoacán, Mexico, where he lives with his mother, who grew up privileged in the province's capital before eloping with Diego's half-P'urhépecha father. Diego discovers his own love for performing during a dance for the feast day of the town's patron saint. "The more he moved, the louder the crowd cheered him on, the more they applauded, and the happier he felt."
Tragedy forces Diego to join his wealthy grandparents in the capital, and they educate him and give him music lessons while grooming him to take over the family business and get married. But Diego has realized he is gay, a secret he shares with no one. As plans for his future become fixed, he flees Mexico for Hollywood to pursue his show-business dreams.
Diego evolves from a sweet and sensitive boy into a dashing but calculating man who will do anything to achieve his goals. A secretary at the central casting office tells him, "Don't be so honest. In this town, people get rich by fibbing and go nowhere fast when they tell the truth."
Espinoza shows how every gay man in this closeted era was a kind of actor, whether they worked in movies or not, and how ethnic performers concealed their origins to project the aura approved by Hollywood. As Diego's career rises, he becomes increasingly entangled in lies, performing stock roles in stereotype-filled movies. He wonders if it's even possible for a gay Mexican to establish a settled and happy existence in Depression-era America.
In telling the story of one fictional character, The Five Acts of Diego León invites readers to ponder the many real people in the past -- and even the present -- who have been forced to conceal their true identities, keeping secrets but sometimes channeling their hidden angst into art.
July 23, 2014
very intriguing book with an excellent last 1/2-2/3 after a scattered beginning that almost put me off reading it
there are books where throwing the reader in the 'deep" and then going back in time can be confusing sure, but usually there is a good reason for that since the first pages are so important and this novel is an example why, since it follows a chronological narrative which makes for a very boring and narrative wall hitting first 1/3
luckily my habit of reading random pages from a book that sounds interesting but whose beginning is a slog, just to see if there is a "hook", worked so I got really interested in the story of Diego Leon on about here:
"November 1928
His payment was enough to cover the rent, plus a little extra, so he used some of his earnings to purchase a pair of plus four trousers, argyle socks, a new shirt, and a tweed checkered flat cap to wear on his date with Fiona. That night he showered and dressed and adjusted his tie in the mirror. He placed the flat cap on his head, turned, and walked out the door, whistling all the way down the steps."
After that i read the remaining part of the novel in one sitting and then got back and read the beginning too, though the story really doesn't get interesting until Diego skips on his arranged marriage and that should have been the first page of the novel imho...
Anyway, a good story and a narrator who while confused about his identity - he gets his break in Hollywood by having a (gay) affair with the boss of a studio, while having earlier encounters with both women and men, and while wanting to fit in LA, he also wanted to keep his Mexican identity and his "regular" name and story while the studio bosses wanted both a "conqueror name" aka Diego Cortes and a glamorous background to market him as a star - becomes very interesting after that first blandish half.
The last 100 or so pages and the series of events leading to a great ending - that may or may not signal a new beginning btw, so do not expect things to be neatly tied up with a string - are superb
Lots of topical stuff regarding the Latino and Mexican experience in the US, the various responses of various people to it, but all in all a highly recommended novel with great narrative energy once it settles down
there are books where throwing the reader in the 'deep" and then going back in time can be confusing sure, but usually there is a good reason for that since the first pages are so important and this novel is an example why, since it follows a chronological narrative which makes for a very boring and narrative wall hitting first 1/3
luckily my habit of reading random pages from a book that sounds interesting but whose beginning is a slog, just to see if there is a "hook", worked so I got really interested in the story of Diego Leon on about here:
"November 1928
His payment was enough to cover the rent, plus a little extra, so he used some of his earnings to purchase a pair of plus four trousers, argyle socks, a new shirt, and a tweed checkered flat cap to wear on his date with Fiona. That night he showered and dressed and adjusted his tie in the mirror. He placed the flat cap on his head, turned, and walked out the door, whistling all the way down the steps."
After that i read the remaining part of the novel in one sitting and then got back and read the beginning too, though the story really doesn't get interesting until Diego skips on his arranged marriage and that should have been the first page of the novel imho...
Anyway, a good story and a narrator who while confused about his identity - he gets his break in Hollywood by having a (gay) affair with the boss of a studio, while having earlier encounters with both women and men, and while wanting to fit in LA, he also wanted to keep his Mexican identity and his "regular" name and story while the studio bosses wanted both a "conqueror name" aka Diego Cortes and a glamorous background to market him as a star - becomes very interesting after that first blandish half.
The last 100 or so pages and the series of events leading to a great ending - that may or may not signal a new beginning btw, so do not expect things to be neatly tied up with a string - are superb
Lots of topical stuff regarding the Latino and Mexican experience in the US, the various responses of various people to it, but all in all a highly recommended novel with great narrative energy once it settles down
April 27, 2013
At the very beginning of this book there was a lot of village superstition from the young Diego’s great Aunt, and I expected the book to go with that kind of theme. Much to my surprise it did not. Instead the book delves into the personal life of the main character, Diego. How he struggles in his impoverished life in a village in Mexico during the Mexican revolution.
The book is divided up into five acts – five main parts of Diego’s life – with the first part dealing with his early life in the village. then he goes to live with his Mother’s parents – Grandparents he never knew – from the age of 12 and they make him lie about who his father is, as they are ashamed to let their well to do friends know that their daughter married a peasant.
It is during his time with his grandparents that he discovers he has a talent for singing, dancing and acting. A friend of his Grandmother schools him in the art of singing and dancing and she becomes a confidant of his.
His life seems to be set in stone, especially when he leaves school and starts working in his Grandfather’s law firm. He is paired up with the daughter of one of his Grandfather’s business associates and they become engaged. But Diego has had feelings for his male friend for quite some time and he is not entirely sure he wants to get married. On the morning of the wedding he leaves the security of his well to do life in Mexico and heads for America.
Once he arrives in america he sets about trying to establish himself as a movie star in the new talking movies. He struggles for a long while until one day he cheats his way into a role and from then on he begins to establish himself with the powers that be in the studio he has signed up to.
The story moves along at really steady and progressive stage. It is beautifully written and interesting characters leave you wanting to know what is going to happen next. My only disappointment in the story is at the very end, I thought things were going to turn out differently for Diego and was pretty disappointed they didn’t.
Overall I give this book 5 stars *****
Recommended.
December 2, 2014
This was a tough book to rate.
Torn between *2* and *3* stars, and ultimately gave the extra star simply because of the lush imagery and the fabulous historical insight into the early days of the motion picture industry.
Diego. Hmph. Don't get me wrong. I love flawed characters, I prefer them, they're more human. But Diego went beyond 'flawed' to simply Pure-D annoying and irritating, unlikeable. I can even tolerate unlikeable characters, but it seemed his only purpose in the book was to hurt others by lying, scheming, manipulating. Ultimately, he was the protagonist in his own story.
Like other reviewers, I completely missed the 'epiphany' at the end. Or perhaps, by then, I just simply didn't care what happened to him.
The book was, however, a stellar glimpse into the movie industry in its early days. A glamorous, gritty behind-the-scenes look at the good and the bad of tinsel town. The good ol' casting couch, the users, the hidden secrets, the gaudiness of it all.
I didn't even hold it against Diego for being the pretty user he was. That, at least, wasn't contrived. Such really happened. Why, Valentino---in his early pre-movie days---even partook in an extortion racket with a lady in which his lady friend lured wealthy married men then blackmailed them. Not surprisingly, Valentino's police records conveniently disappeared from the files when he became famous. So, yes, cover-ups, brooms always sweeping dirt under carpets, was very common.
I suppose it was Diego's failing to EVER sincerely feel remorse for hurting those who loved and trusted him. As one reviewer stated, he was only kind to people if they served some purpose in his personal agenda. That made him unlikeable. The fact that he never really regretted the pain he caused---or at least wonderfully blocked it out---made him forgettable.
Torn between *2* and *3* stars, and ultimately gave the extra star simply because of the lush imagery and the fabulous historical insight into the early days of the motion picture industry.
Diego. Hmph. Don't get me wrong. I love flawed characters, I prefer them, they're more human. But Diego went beyond 'flawed' to simply Pure-D annoying and irritating, unlikeable. I can even tolerate unlikeable characters, but it seemed his only purpose in the book was to hurt others by lying, scheming, manipulating. Ultimately, he was the protagonist in his own story.
Like other reviewers, I completely missed the 'epiphany' at the end. Or perhaps, by then, I just simply didn't care what happened to him.
The book was, however, a stellar glimpse into the movie industry in its early days. A glamorous, gritty behind-the-scenes look at the good and the bad of tinsel town. The good ol' casting couch, the users, the hidden secrets, the gaudiness of it all.
I didn't even hold it against Diego for being the pretty user he was. That, at least, wasn't contrived. Such really happened. Why, Valentino---in his early pre-movie days---even partook in an extortion racket with a lady in which his lady friend lured wealthy married men then blackmailed them. Not surprisingly, Valentino's police records conveniently disappeared from the files when he became famous. So, yes, cover-ups, brooms always sweeping dirt under carpets, was very common.
I suppose it was Diego's failing to EVER sincerely feel remorse for hurting those who loved and trusted him. As one reviewer stated, he was only kind to people if they served some purpose in his personal agenda. That made him unlikeable. The fact that he never really regretted the pain he caused---or at least wonderfully blocked it out---made him forgettable.
May 13, 2014
The Five Acts of Diego Leon is a compelling story of a young man finding his place in the world. Diego comes to grip with his sexuality and his heritage on his terms. No longer ruled by others or feelings of oppression Diego carves out his life on his terms despite wrestling with pangs of guilt. As Diego searches within to understand himself and others expectations he has a better understanding of people that have entered and exited his past, present and future. He bucks societal expectations and accepts himself for his authentic self.
The Five Acts of Diego Leon is written in a detailed way. We experience Diego's understanding of his roots, we suffer with him through personal losses. Diego embarks on a new life and decides he is his own master of his destiny and we are privy to his maturation. Watching Diego accept himself as opposed to fitting a square peg into a round hole is presented in a poignant and subtle manner. All in all an enjoyable story of a young man coming of age in all too foreign and unfamiliar place while dealing and a accepting his sexuality during a time when the world is less than accepting.
I received a copy from Random House Publishing Group
The Five Acts of Diego Leon is written in a detailed way. We experience Diego's understanding of his roots, we suffer with him through personal losses. Diego embarks on a new life and decides he is his own master of his destiny and we are privy to his maturation. Watching Diego accept himself as opposed to fitting a square peg into a round hole is presented in a poignant and subtle manner. All in all an enjoyable story of a young man coming of age in all too foreign and unfamiliar place while dealing and a accepting his sexuality during a time when the world is less than accepting.
I received a copy from Random House Publishing Group
July 1, 2016
The Five Acts of Diego Leon by Alex Espinoza gave readers a look at the Mexican Revolution and Hollywood in the 1920-30s that hasn't been presented much before. I like that the book begins with an orphaned boy in a rural village and a "magical" elder guide, only to quickly take a left turn into a whole other story. In other reviews, people were disappointed that it didn't take on the magical realism story (Bless Me, Ultima/Like Water for Chocolate) they had expected, but I think this is the book's strength. Mexican stories are as varied and its people, and we don't have to rely on old tropes.
As for when Diego arrives in Hollywood, we do see a bit of the expected rags to riches story, but what makes these acts unique is the added conflict of Diego trying to make his career happen while also trying to cover up that he is a gay man. Identity and names are important themes in this story, and while I'm more often drawn to stories about revolution and worker's rights, I found it interesting how those themes appeared as side topics represented through his best friend Javier, in a story really about a man trying to love himself in a world that doesn't want him to exist. As a Hollywood exec tells him at one point, "You're not what anybody wants."
As for when Diego arrives in Hollywood, we do see a bit of the expected rags to riches story, but what makes these acts unique is the added conflict of Diego trying to make his career happen while also trying to cover up that he is a gay man. Identity and names are important themes in this story, and while I'm more often drawn to stories about revolution and worker's rights, I found it interesting how those themes appeared as side topics represented through his best friend Javier, in a story really about a man trying to love himself in a world that doesn't want him to exist. As a Hollywood exec tells him at one point, "You're not what anybody wants."
June 1, 2013
A fine "schizophrenic" novel about a very divided man. We follow Diego from his peasant days in Michoacan, Mexico to his Hollywood "stardom". Like a lot of Hollywood novels, we see the disillusionment of the illusion industry in Diego's rise.
The problem with Diego is he doesn't really want anything except to perform and be a star. His Mexican heritage, family, friends, and lovers all take a second seat to this ambition. The novel is very good at showing the damage this does to Diego's soul as he is left with nothing very real to call his own as he lies, cheats and throws himself on the casting couch to get what he wants.
But the novel is sympathetic to Diego - we see the horrible things he does and almost excuses them as the way to get things done in this New World. The Old World of familial solidarity or of "class" solidarity is discarded by Diego for the world of the solo achiever he is trying to be. Diego flies through the Mexican revolution, Communist organizing, the Depression, and a lover to be his own man and that is what he is left with, his own man with not even his own name.
The problem with Diego is he doesn't really want anything except to perform and be a star. His Mexican heritage, family, friends, and lovers all take a second seat to this ambition. The novel is very good at showing the damage this does to Diego's soul as he is left with nothing very real to call his own as he lies, cheats and throws himself on the casting couch to get what he wants.
But the novel is sympathetic to Diego - we see the horrible things he does and almost excuses them as the way to get things done in this New World. The Old World of familial solidarity or of "class" solidarity is discarded by Diego for the world of the solo achiever he is trying to be. Diego flies through the Mexican revolution, Communist organizing, the Depression, and a lover to be his own man and that is what he is left with, his own man with not even his own name.
February 9, 2013
I do not know why but recently I read a lot of books involving characters that struggles to find their own place in the world, as Diego Leon does, plus he does it far from his roots and from the society where he was born so it's even more problematic. Maybe I read these books because I actually am an expat myself, but still this one was a little bit boring, specially in the end and doesn't give any special insights.
Non so come mai, ma di recente mi sta capitando di leggere un sacco di libri i cui protagonisti "combattono" per trovare il loro posto nel mondo, come Diego Leon, che inoltre lo fa lontano dalle sue radici e dalla società dove è nato quindi ha ancora più difficoltà. Forse leggo questo tipo di libri perchè sono a mia volta un'espatriata, però questo l'ho trovato un po' noioso specialmente alla fine e non è che poi mi abbia particolarmente impressionato.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING GROUP FOR THE PREVIEW
Non so come mai, ma di recente mi sta capitando di leggere un sacco di libri i cui protagonisti "combattono" per trovare il loro posto nel mondo, come Diego Leon, che inoltre lo fa lontano dalle sue radici e dalla società dove è nato quindi ha ancora più difficoltà. Forse leggo questo tipo di libri perchè sono a mia volta un'espatriata, però questo l'ho trovato un po' noioso specialmente alla fine e non è che poi mi abbia particolarmente impressionato.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING GROUP FOR THE PREVIEW
January 31, 2014
We read this book as part of our book club. Being latina, i was expecting a book with history on a mexican born person having to assimilate to the american culture. Not just American culture, but also Hollywood culture. I thought it made for an interesting book, at least it could have been.
Instead, the book focused on Diego's sexuality. I am not the slightest agains homosexuality, but reading some parts of this book made me very uncomfortable. Overall, no one in the book club liked this book because we were each expecting something different. Some wanted more of the Mexican part, some wanted more of the Hollywood lifestyle, some wanted to see him struggle a bit more.
The main character, Diego, was neither likable nor relatable.
Its very unfortunate because I really wanted to like this book...
Instead, the book focused on Diego's sexuality. I am not the slightest agains homosexuality, but reading some parts of this book made me very uncomfortable. Overall, no one in the book club liked this book because we were each expecting something different. Some wanted more of the Mexican part, some wanted more of the Hollywood lifestyle, some wanted to see him struggle a bit more.
The main character, Diego, was neither likable nor relatable.
Its very unfortunate because I really wanted to like this book...
May 9, 2013
Not quite what I expected - but still an engrossing story of one man's dream to become a film star. His struggle is palpable on the pages along with his despair, his aloneness and ultimate realization that what he really wants has slipped through his grasp over the years. The memories of Diego's family and Mexico are haunting and the pictures painted are heart wrenching. Well worth the read...
February 12, 2022
I read this book as a part of my book club pick.
I thought the book started off good,
interesting when Diego is a child but as he grows up he is not likable at all.
Its difficult to get into the book when the main character is not likable.
It made me reflect on how much a person suffers when they don't accept them selves just the way they are.
I thought the book started off good,
interesting when Diego is a child but as he grows up he is not likable at all.
Its difficult to get into the book when the main character is not likable.
It made me reflect on how much a person suffers when they don't accept them selves just the way they are.
June 12, 2013
This book includes some fascinating history about Mexico and the pressures facing both the poor and those with wealth. It also gives glimpses of how to survive and move ahead in Hollywood. It was a rough and tumble world then and has probably gotten even more so today.
Read
June 26, 2013From the title you may think it is a book about Diego Leon and what he did for his country. Yet when you read it, it is really about finding yourself, taking the risks and going for what you believe you are destined to do.
June 10, 2013
Not what I expected but still worth reading. The first 3 acts were more interesting to me than the final acts of the book. Interesting story about a young man trying to find his place in the world. Wonderful descriptions of old Mexico and Hollywood.
October 3, 2015
I loved the Five Acts of Diego Leon. Thank you Alex Espinoza for showing us old Hollywood; I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Spanish movie sets!
This historical novel is artfully written, engaging, paced perfectly and not to be missed!
This historical novel is artfully written, engaging, paced perfectly and not to be missed!
June 28, 2016
The first two acts of the book are promising as they have an almost magical feel. However, after Diego leaves Mexico for California, the book stumbles and stutters through awkward characters and prose. This is by far one of the least enjoyable books I've ever read.
January 19, 2013
Not what I expected. The first two thirds of the book better than the last third. Writing good if a little uneven. Good character development.
May 12, 2013
This was a quickread and totally different that waht I thought this book would be. A bit perplexed that the end was sort of left in the air and nothing resloved.
June 24, 2013
An interesting portrayal of Hollywood in the late 20's and 30's. The book lacked depth and you never really connected with the characters.
June 26, 2013
eh, so so;
October 1, 2013
Started off well (I really like that Espinoza doesn't use foreshadowing), but fizzled out.
November 21, 2013
A poor Mexican wants to succeed in show business and goes to Hollywood and practically sells his soul to succeed
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