(4 / 5) – Worth It
I do not love reading books that are categorized as “classics” but thankfully my sister always makes sure there is at least one in each years’ book club reading list and in 2022, it was Sandra Cisneros’ “The House on Mango Street.”
If you are not a reader of the classics, but want to step your toe into those waters, this is an excellent place to start. Short, sweet and with highly provocative episodes and themes “The House on Mango Street” will give you lots to think about without taking a great deal of your time. The variety of tableaus offered in this short novel leaves the reader wonderfully mystified while deeply connected to the characters and their experiences.
These short chapters of experiences by the protagonist read much like poetry in that each comes with a unique and clarifying title that sometimes only makes sense after having read the chapter. There is a poetry to what Cisneros is doing and in the 25th anniversary edition she expands on her writing method of “The House on Mango Street” in her introduction. As a forty year old white woman the book didn’t resonate as deeply as I am sure it would have when I was in high school but it was enjoyable and I am so glad to have read it.
I highly recommend this book, particularly to young people who enjoy a more emotionally charged and explorative novel.
Happy Reading!
Hannah