Caramelo
“Always remember, Lala, the family comes first–la familia.” This idea is the cornerstone of Caramelo, a semi-autobiographical novel that tells the story of a multigenerational Mexican-American family. It is the lesson that the narrator of the story, Celaya, or Lala, struggles with but eventually embraces. No matter how much they embarrass, provoke, or disappoint her, Lala has no choice but to recognize that her family is her life.
When the novel opens, the Reyes family is about to embark on an epic road trip from Chicago to Mexico City to visit the Awful Grandmother and the Little Grandfather. The events that transpire are filtered through the eyes and ears of the child Celaya. Part two deals with the Reyes’ family history, which, as a matter of course, includes discussion of the socio-political history of early 20th century Mexico. In this section, Celaya is an adult, and therefore her perceptions are more experienced and world-wise. The final section is told by a teen-aged Celaya, who learns to appreciate and respect her family while dealing with some difficult circumstances. Throughout, there are other contributing voices, but it is, in the end, Celaya’s voice that resonates.
Cisneros’ prose is direct but poetic. She captures the moment in time with precise words and keen imagery, whether handling pathos or slapstick humor. I could literally fill this review with quotes I’ve marked with Post-it notes. I highly recommend Caramelo.
