A review by gwalt118
Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros

5.0

Caramelo is a phenomenal work of literature that should be more widely read, particularly among white people. This is a coming-of-age story, a reflection on life and family, and a picture of Mexican-American culture that is at times uplifting and at other times full of desperation. The characters are dynamic and change - in some cases drastically - throughout the novel. Mexican culture and history are woven into the novel, and we feel tension at how many children of immigrants come of age while grappling with familial culture. The use of symbolism and metaphor in this novel is outstanding, particularly concerning the Awful Grandmother's caramelo rebozo. There are some elements of the family that we can all identify with, regardless of culture. Yet, there are other elements that are uniquely Mexican and/or Mexican-American. Both teach us lessons about human interaction.

This novel is certainly not an easy-read (but really, what worthwhile novel ever is?), and it is one that I would encourage readers to move through slowly. Cisneros packs a lot of information into this novel, and every word has intentionality. Do not skim; rather, treasure each word and each chapter as if it is a story within itself. In true Cisneros fashion, sometimes it is.