Book Review Sandra Cisneros The House On Mango Street

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1991 - Bloomsbury Press - Spoiler alerts A novella length book divided into forty-six short interconnected vignettes, averaging about three pages in length each. They add up to the story of Esperanza Cordera, coming of age in the Latin American quarter in Chicago. Though capturing the poverty and despair of her family and community, Cisneros also presents the Mango Street area with some nostalgic affection. There are funny stories, as in a friend offering Ezperanza a ride in his new car, but having to let her and other friends get out when the police chase him for stealing it. Darker, more serious tales present violence toward women, and near encounters with child abuse. Some stories are very sad. Esperanza plays a game with friend involving imitating other people, ranging from celebrities to neighbours. she mockingly impersonates a blind aunt, only to learn days later that her aunt is terminally ill and dies soon after the game is played leaving Esperanza haunted by dreams and guilt for the rest of her life. A short quick read that will stay with you for a long time after you put the book down. Arthur Chappell