The voices in Empanada's kitchen will definitely not be shy! Each probadita is told from the bustling space of the kitchen and heavily spiced with hurt and yearning, lust, desire, passion and bliss. Each bite of Empanada will take you on a journey through the heart of Paloma, a young lesbiana learning to maneuver her loving heart through a culture of judgment. This collection of vignettes is divided into three macroscopic sections: Food, Religion and Sex where personal, cultural and gender identity are in constant flux, but finally birth a new geographic space in Latina, Chicana, Mexican and Lesbian literature and lesbianidad.
Honest, raw, sad, very coming-of-age. I was drawn to it also because of the Chicano sabor. I liked the Spanish and Spanglish interjections, and most were either followed by a translation or explained by context for English-only readers. I liked the messy and ambivalent feelings she discussed towards her Catholic faith and traditions. Maybe I should've given it 4 stars...
The first time I read this short book, I wasn't as convinced. Then, I read it for the second time after I met the author - Anel Flores. This book is so beautiful. Either you feel homosexuality is wrong, this book will give you a sense and touch to what happens in a mind full of questions. Anel Flores is amazing. She explained her book so thoroughly that I was convinced to read it a second time. This book isn't just about lesbianism, but what a girl goes through in her life. I highly recommend this book! It's simply brilliant, well-written, and beautiful.
Probably one of the most real & visceral books I've read in a long while. If this book doesn't make you feel, your probably don't have a soul. Anel's prose is truly captivating and I can't wait to read her next book when it eventually comes out.