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When I Was Puerto Rican summary
Esmeralda Santiago
Brief summary
When I Was Puerto Rican is a memoir by Esmeralda Santiago that explores her journey from growing up in rural Puerto Rico to adapting to life in New York City. It is a profound and inspiring story of resilience and personal growth.
Table of Contents
When I Was Puerto Rican
Summary of key ideas
Beginning in Puerto Rico
In Esmeralda Santiago's memoir, When I Was Puerto Rican, we see through the lens of Esmeralda herself, from childhood to adolescence, as she navigates life in Puerto Rico. As the eldest of seven children, Esmeralda is initially raised by her hardworking mother and unreliable father in a small rural village. Here, she learns about the traditions, customs, and folklore of her people, while also witnessing the harsh realities of poverty, abuse, and infidelity.
Esmeralda's mother struggles to hold their family together amidst a turbulent relationship with her father, who is often absent. Yet, despite the turmoil of their home life, Esmeralda finds moments of joy in the vitality of her culture, the rich landscapes of her homeland, and the simplicity of rural life. However, this idyllic childhood is shattered when Esmeralda's mother decides to move the family to Santurce, a bustling, urban barrio of San Juan, after her father abandons them.
Transition from Rural to Urban
Life in Santurce is drastically different from the rural existence Esmeralda has been accustomed to. The move proves challenging as Esmeralda tries to adapt to her new surroundings. Her mother's struggle to provide for the family intensifies, and they endure periods of hunger and hardship. In the midst of these challenges, Santiago paints an evocative picture of the colorful sights, sounds, and smells of her new environment, embedding us firmly within the bustling, vibrant world of urban Puerto Rico.
Despite their challenges, Esmeralda continues her education. School provides a haven from her home life but also presents a new set of difficulties. Here, she faces academic struggles, cultural expectations, and the prejudices of classmates who consider her a “jíbara,” or country bumpkin. This period of her life is marked by her struggle to understand her identity in a culture that values conformity.
Immigration to New York
Faced with escalating troubles in Puerto Rico, Esmeralda's mother makes the difficult decision to relocate the family to New York. Leaving behind the familiarity of their homeland, Esmeralda and her siblings are thrust into an entirely new environment. Santiago vividly captures the bewildering and disorienting experience of immigrating to a different country and trying to assimilate to a new culture, language, and way of life.
Esmeralda's adolescence in Brooklyn is marked by her continuing struggle with identity, now amplified by her status as an immigrant. Amidst the challenges of cultural adjustment, Esmeralda finds strength in education and the promise it offers of upward mobility. Still, she grapples with the tension of straddling two distinct cultures and the simultaneous longing and resistance she feels towards assimilation.
The Quest for Identity
Throughout When I Was Puerto Rican, Santiago's primary struggle is with her identity – as a woman, an immigrant, and a Puerto Rican. This journey of self-discovery comes to a head when she embarks on the formidable challenge of applying to New York City's prestigious Performing Arts High School. Santiago portrays this experience as a symbolic rite of passage, demonstrating her determination to defy expectations and carve a path of her own.
Upon reflection of her journey from Puerto Rico to New York, Santiago embraces the complexities of her dual identity. She recognizes that being Puerto Rican and also a New Yorker does not make her less of either. Santiago beautifully encapsulates the immigrant experience with all its inherent struggles and also its promise. By sharing her deeply personal experience, Santiago provides a window into the broad, chaotic, often painful yet rich and rewarding saga that is the life of an immigrant.
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What is When I Was Puerto Rican about?
When I Was Puerto Rican is a memoir by Esmeralda Santiago that chronicles her childhood in rural Puerto Rico and her journey to the United States. Through vivid storytelling, Santiago explores themes of identity, family, and cultural adaptation, offering a unique perspective on the immigrant experience. It is a compelling and heartfelt account of one woman's quest for independence and belonging.
When I Was Puerto Rican Review
When I Was Puerto Rican (1993) is a captivating memoir that takes readers on a vivid journey through the author's childhood in Puerto Rico and her subsequent move to the United States. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- This book provides a deep exploration of cultural identity and the challenges faced by immigrants.
- It offers a compelling depiction of Santiago's personal growth and resilience, inspiring readers to reflect on their own experiences and aspirations.
- With its unforgettable anecdotes and raw honesty, this book sheds light on the complexities of family dynamics and the power of self-discovery.
Who should read When I Was Puerto Rican?
- Readers interested in exploring personal and cultural identity
- People curious about Puerto Rican culture and history
- Individuals looking for a compelling coming-of-age story with rich sensory details
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When I Was Puerto Rican FAQs
What is the main message of When I Was Puerto Rican?
The main message of When I Was Puerto Rican is a coming-of-age story about identity, resilience, and the power of family.
How long does it take to read When I Was Puerto Rican?
The reading time for When I Was Puerto Rican varies depending on your reading speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is When I Was Puerto Rican a good book? Is it worth reading?
When I Was Puerto Rican is a captivating memoir that explores themes of cultural identity and personal growth. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of When I Was Puerto Rican?
The author of When I Was Puerto Rican is Esmeralda Santiago.
What to read after When I Was Puerto Rican?
If you're wondering what to read next after When I Was Puerto Rican, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
- Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
- The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh