Mother Tongue

Rating:
Summary: I was not impressed
Review: I don't think this book is that incredible. It starts off interesting, but the end is wrapped up much too neatly. Also, I don't think the focus of this book is the love affair between the two main characters, as some reviewers have said. I think it is more about the narrator's exploration of herself. I like reading Sandra Ciseneros or Cherrie Moraga much better.

Rating:
Summary: Political torture and the fight against it
Review: In Martinez's book we find that the character that has suffered political torture and extreme punishment for his beliefs is not able to truly give of himself that which has been taken away from him. Yet, as it often the case in human life a second chance comes and a new life comes of it, free to see life in a new way and to maintain the vigil for human rights and for the survival of the planet as well. I particularly loved the description of the sorrounding area where the two main characters fall in love. Good book.

Rating:
Summary: Perspective Shifted
Review: You can tell the author is a poet. This story was beautifully written, insightful and certainly rang true. When I finished reading it I felt I had gained a new perspective about how it must be for people who have their homeland torn apart by war. They love their homes, so the answer isn't just fleeing to freedom and safety. For some, there just is no answer. This book turned on new lights for me and moved as well as frustrated me. We can't just save the world with our wealth and generosity, as such actions are viewed by so many good and honest people as signs of arrogance and naivety. I enjoyed the closure the author proveded with the epilogue (after all, it was in part, a love story), but in reality the fugitive's fate probably would remain a mystery. This is a wonderful book, a keeper.