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Las Madres: A novel
336 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2024
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Esmeralda Santiago
28 books928 followersEsmeralda Santiago (born 1948 in San Juan, Puerto Rico). Is a renowned Puerto Rican author In 1961, she came to the United States when she was thirteen years old, the eldest in a family that would eventually include eleven children. Ms. Santiago attended New York City's Performing Arts High School, where she majored in drama and dance. After eight years of part-time study at community colleges, she transferred to Harvard University with a full scholarship. She studied film production and graduated in 1976 magna cum laude. Shortly after graduation, she and her husband, Frank Cantor, founded CANTOMEDIA, a film and media production company, which has won numerous awards for excellence in documentary filmmaking.
Her writing career evolved from her work as a producer/writer of documentary and educational films. Her essays and opinion pieces have appeared in national newspapers including the New York Times and the Boston Globe, and on mass market magazines like House & Garden, Metropolitan Home, and Good Housekeeping.
Her writing career evolved from her work as a producer/writer of documentary and educational films. Her essays and opinion pieces have appeared in national newspapers including the New York Times and the Boston Globe, and on mass market magazines like House & Garden, Metropolitan Home, and Good Housekeeping.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
November 19, 2024
Las Madres is a heartfelt exploration of the cultural identity of Boricuas—Puerto Rican women. The story weaves together the lives of mothers, daughters, aunts, and godmothers who embrace, argue, and protect one another through the joys and challenges of life.
At the center is Luz, a beautiful young dancer who suffers a brain injury. Despite her struggles with memory after rehabilitation, she manages to marry and have a daughter. With warmth and humor, Santiago delves into what it means to be a family—to offer help and care without making others feel like a burden.
The novel also touches on profound themes, such as colorism within the Black Puerto Rican community and the complexities of navigating two cultures—one foot in Puerto Rico and the other in the United States. Santiago’s vivid description of Hurricane Maria is particularly moving, evoking tears as it brings the devastation and resilience of the Puerto Rican people to life.
This book was a thought-provoking book club selection that sparked lively discussion. While there are many Spanish words throughout the text, most are thoughtfully explained in the following sentences, making the narrative accessible to a broad audience.
At the center is Luz, a beautiful young dancer who suffers a brain injury. Despite her struggles with memory after rehabilitation, she manages to marry and have a daughter. With warmth and humor, Santiago delves into what it means to be a family—to offer help and care without making others feel like a burden.
The novel also touches on profound themes, such as colorism within the Black Puerto Rican community and the complexities of navigating two cultures—one foot in Puerto Rico and the other in the United States. Santiago’s vivid description of Hurricane Maria is particularly moving, evoking tears as it brings the devastation and resilience of the Puerto Rican people to life.
This book was a thought-provoking book club selection that sparked lively discussion. While there are many Spanish words throughout the text, most are thoughtfully explained in the following sentences, making the narrative accessible to a broad audience.
Displaying 1 of 1 review