A review by classicpseudonym
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

you see, i don't normally write an actual review for books i read for class, but wow. i absolutely loved this book. best book i've ever read for class, hands down. esperanza's narration style clearly displays her maturity and growth throughout the vignettes, and the figurative language and imagery cisneros incorporates throughout each vignette is beautifully done. though some people may think all the figurative language was too complicated, i love how this book was dissectable, and there were so many symbols and implied meanings to make sense of, adding another layer to the story and shedding light on esperanza's thoughts and her perceptions of the people around her. additionally, the side/background characters added meaning to the story, as we see people in many different stages of life who all influence each other in some way. lastly, the themes of the book were prevalent when it was first published, and they're still very relevant now. issues like gender norms, societal standards, ambition and being tied down, racial injustice, immigration, and more are addressed in a way that doesn't feel forced, which gives readers the chance to think about and talk about these important issues. 

anyway, i highly, highly recommend this book. please read it. 
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