Red Beans

by Víctor Hernández Cruz

Selected as one of the best books of 1991 by Publishers Weekly. A blend of cultures and races, with inspirations ranging from Caribbean musical rhythms to Castillan and Moorish influences. "Quirky and utterly lovely."-- VLS ¶"This vigorous bilingual Latino troubador's poems and essays are 'a dance on the edges'."-- Library Journal

Genres: Poetry

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1991

Reviews

[Ana Novoa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Takes some effort, at least if you aren't familiar with Puerto Rican and Taíno culture, which I am not. Worth it though, as Cruz connects his with various other cultures, tracing back Taíno culture and traditions to their roots. I'm not a poetry reader usually, but this one was worth the Googling.

[Stephen Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delighted I found a copy of this book. I am a now Victor Hernández Cruz fan, major one. Fantastic book. The language is beautiful and incredibly fluid mixing Spanish and English. The images of Puerto Rico are sometimes funny, always vivid. Great book.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess I'll step up and be the first to comment on this little collection of poems.

I picked this book up when I was working on my BA in English Literature at Cal State Long Beach. I absolutely fell in love with it. The poet is from Puerto Rico and his poetry is a lovely blend of Spanish and English with a delightful tropical feel. Even the grimmest subjects are musical in Cruz's poems.

[Oscar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The poems are top notch but the accompanying essays that frame the poeta's relationship to constant migration, blended languages, and mixed memories makes this a must have especially the poem/essay "The Popular Muse Belongs to Everybody."