8 Books by Rudolfo Anaya: A Writer Devoted to His Heritage
“We have to come out of our own experience, our own tradition, culture, roots, our own sense of language, of story, and deal with that[…]”
—Rudolfo Anaya
Rudolfo Anaya knew how important his roots were, which is why he used his experiences and everything he learned from his heritage to create many incredible stories we can now enjoy.
I have compiled some of his most acclaimed books for you to pick your favorite!
Benefits of Reading in Spanish
Did you know that literature allows readers to see the language in context?—making it possible to turn it into a real subject rather than a disciplinary matter. When you decide to pick a book in Spanish, you are getting access to great benefits. Reading in Spanish also allows for the acknowledgement of new cultures and authors’ backgrounds.
The main advantage is gaining motivation to learn more as you get to explore the real applications of Spanish instead of unauthentic examples.
Another advantage is that of evaluating yourself about what you have learned by translating the text, as you will be learning new idiomatic expressions, new words, structures, and writing styles that will help you to discover your strengths and weaknesses in the language. Also, you will improve your fluency by reading out loud.
As you see, your learning journey can become a lot better, much more fun, and more enriching for you if you take the challenge of reading in Spanish! Take that small step and you will see how you will become a fluent Spanish speaker in no time!
Who Was Rudolfo Anaya?
Rudolfo Anaya was born on October 30th, 1937 in Pastura, New Mexico. The fifth of seven children, he learned English until he started school. He obtained his B.A. from the University of New Mexico in 1963, where he later worked as a professor. He also had two M.A.s.
A severe accident he suffered as a child left him with repercussions during all his life. The godfather of the Chicano novel passed away on June 28th 2020.
Writing Style
Through his work, he prided himself on Mexican heritage and everything that comes with it—among traditions and oral storytelling. Writing about multiculturalism and bilingualism earned him the National Medal of Arts in 2002 and National Humanities Medal in 2016.
1. Bless Me, Ultima (Bendíceme, Ultima) (1972)
What It’s About
Through the first book of the trilogy, Rudolfo Anaya revealed some of his experiences growing up in New Mexico. The story revolves around meeting and getting acquainted with a curandera (healer) that moves in with his family and tells him about traditions foreign to orthodox beliefs.
He has grown up in a family with a strong catholic faith and his mother even wants him to become a priest.
Gradually, he witnesses multiple events that confuse his young mind. He worries about his family and that every action they take might result in God’s punishment. The closer he comes to Ultima, the healer, the more he questions his Catholic faith and what everyone has taught him.
This is a coming-of-age story that discusses a boy’s journey to discover his identity.
The almost autobiographical novel got a PG-13 film adaptation in 2012.
What Others Are Saying
Readers called Rudolfo “a superb storyteller” as they enjoyed the familiar portrayals of Hispanic culture and the controversial topics surrounding it.
Although it has been banned from some schools, Latinos seek to read it as it narrates a heartwarming and honest story about multiculturally bred kids in the U.S.
The L.A. Times applauded this story for Rudolfo’s easiness to convey the innocence of childhood and the discovery of life experiences.
Other critics claim, “‘Bless Me, Ultima’ is still a must-read Chicano classic.” They have addressed the author’s ability to question life as we know it.
You can check out the film reviews here!
2. Heart of Aztlán (1976)
What It’s About
This book narrates the journey of the Chávez family as they leave the countryside in Guadalupe to the city of Albuquerque.
Rudolfo Anaya tells us the story of Clemente and Jason while addressing topics like immigrant conditions and identity.
When the family arrives in a new environment, they are shocked to find how the railroad owners and politicians dominate their jobs and their entire lives.
What Others Are Saying
Readers praised the accurate representation of immigrant life in this area of the U.S. and the cultural and historical details Rudolfo included. They also admire the author for his ability to discuss topics that people often think of as “sensitive” instead of addressing them properly.
“Mixed with the Native American legends and Hispanic traditions of this wonderful book are the basic human motivations that touch all cultures. It is a rip-roaring good read.”—Cibola County Beacon.
3. Tortuga (1979)
What It’s About
Tortuga follows up the end of Heart of Aztlán as the third book of the trilogy about Hispanic childhood in the U.S. (Bless Me, Ultima and Heart of Aztlán)
He centers the story on an intense accident he went through as a child and the recovery from it. He highlights the emotions of a hospitalized boy with a lot of time in his hands to reflect on his loneliness and his spirituality.
He mentions that as he had a body cast, his appearance resembled that of a turtle. Besides, the hospital he stayed at was near a mountain called “Turtle.” Such coincidences gave the name to this touching book.
He expresses that as he recovered, he allowed himself to delve into his sense of belonging and identity.
What Others Are Saying
Readers enjoyed his descriptions of prevailing through traumatic experiences and what we can learn about ourselves from them. They highlighted the relevance of the interesting characters Rudolfo Anaya created and how he addresses pain and hope.
4. The Legend of La Llorona (La leyenda de la llorona) (1984)
What It’s About
While Rudolfo Anaya chose to retell the mythical story of La Llorona, he did it with his personal touch.
He gave the legend a deeper background, writing about Hernan Cortéz’s companion Malinche, La Llorona in this short novel.
What is surprising about this version of the well-known tale is how Rudolfo gave La Llorona a much more humanistic and realistic character rather than diminishing her to a supernatural entity. In doing so, he addresses history, oral traditions, and myths.
What Others Are Saying
The readers enjoyed the cultural insights and the unique storytelling.
5. Shaman Winter (1999)
What It’s About
This book is part of a series of novels by Rudolfo Anaya named “The Sonny Baca novels.” The other books in this series include: Zia Summer, Rio Grande Fall, and Jemez Spring.
In this part of the series, we find the main character, Sonny, suffering health breakdowns due to multiple encounters with his nemesis, Raven.
During his recovery, Sonny has several dreams about Owl Woman, ancestor and daughter of a shaman.
As an enthralling mystery that encounters fantasy, Anaya narrates how Raven plans to get rid of Sonny’s ancestors as he abducts them one by one.
What Others Are Saying
Readers praised the characters Rudolfo created and the descriptions of mystical visions combined with a detective story. They admired his preciseness to talk about the region, people’s beliefs, and mythical lore from the native americans.
“The fast-paced story line of Shaman Winter is fascinating and absolutely eerie as the master paints a vivid picture of the spirituality of another culture.”—Harriet Klausner.
6. Alburquerque (1992)
What It’s About
The name of the book relies on the change a stationmaster made to Albuquerque’s original name in 1880, removing the first “R.”
In this dramatic novel, we read about the young boxer, Abran Gonzales who finds out he was adopted. Further in the story he meets his real mother on her deathbed, leading him to find his Mexican real father too.
Unbeknownst to Abran, we find out that his real father is someone he already knows, Professor Ben Chavez.
His lawyer, manager, and conman, Frank Dominic, promises to help Abran find his father while in reality, he’s trying to become Albuquerque’s mayor at all costs.
As his desire to find his real father becomes stronger, Abran immerses himself into a complicated world filled with political interests, romance, and betrayal.
This novel combines the multiculturality of the region while giving us an exciting novel full of dramatic twists.
What Others Are Saying
Readers assure this book is Rudolfo Anaya’s love letter to Albuquerque. They enjoyed his accuracy to describe the culturally-diverse Albuquerque and the dramatic pace that kept them turning pages. They recommend this book for those who appreciate character development and top-notch dialogue.
“There is a marvelous tapestry of interwoven myth and magic that guides Anaya’s characters’ sensibilities, and is equally important in defining their feel of place.”—John Nichols, The University of New Mexico Press.
“Albuquerque fulfills two important functions: it restores the missing R to the name of the city, and it shows off Anaya’s powers as a novelist.”—Alan Cheuse, National Public Radio.
7. Randy Lopez Goes Home (2011)
- Paperback in English
What It’s About
We learn about how Randy Lopez left New Mexico in a quest for spiritual answers about his identity, his past, and his surroundings.
Now that he has come back to his hometown, Agua Bendita, he is disappointed to have come empty handed. Nonetheless, he contacts his godparents and his old love to find the answers he’s been unlucky to find on his own.
Using a unique writing style, Anaya gives us a story between reality and fantasy. He includes representations of the Devil and other otherworldly characters.
Some have compared this exciting story to The Wizard of Oz, given Randy leaves his home but quickly finds out that it draws him back inevitably. The story introduces tons of characters that lead him to find his lost love and her companionship on this crusade.
What Others Are Saying
The book moved the readers with its heartwarming narrative, while they appreciated its briefness. They liked the references to mythological and historical topics that fed the characters’ motives.
Some also enjoyed the symbolism and one-of-a-kind story telling.
“[This book] presents man’s quest for meaning in a touching, thought-provoking narrative that will resonate with young adults and mature readers alike.”—University of Oklahoma Press.
8. The Old Man’s Love Story (2013)
- Paperback in English
What It’s About
This work of fiction carries the idea of a love letter as the narrator shares his memories and thoughts about his late wife.
This book intensely gives relevance to love prevailing after death and the aftermath of an old man coping with his age; the routine he falls into does not seem like a burden as he is sure his wife is always with him.
What Others Are Saying
Many picked this book to read about grief, loss, and eternal love. They hailed the heartbreaking reflections of the narrator and his ability to keep his wife’s memory alive.
“The Old Man’s Love Story will speak to all readers, perhaps especially to those who have suffered a recent loss.”—University of Oklahoma Press.
“Tender and lyrical. . . a powerful, thoughtful meditation on life and death. The Old Man’s Love Story is an emotional ride that will provoke laughter and tears.”—David Steinberg, The Albuquerque Journal.
Pick Up a Book!
There are plentiful options of books in Spanish or translations to Spanish that can help you overcome the challenge of reading in a whole new language!
Have you ever wondered what can happen if you become bilingual? You can change your future and your family’s future too! If you decide to teach Spanish to your kids from an early stage, your family will become bilingual without you even noticing. Everyone will be able to speak to more and more people and enrich their life experiences a lot more.
Sign up for a free class today and discover how our native Spanish-speaking teachers will help you become a fluent speaker very soon! Become a part of our community and be a fearless bilingual!
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