Memory Mambo: Big Sur Pioneers

by Achy Obejas

Book Overview

Memory Mambo describes the life of Juani Casas, a 25-year-old Cuban-born American lesbian who manages her family's laundromat in Chicago while trying to cope with family, work, love, sex, and the weirdness of North American culture. Achy Obejas's writing is sharp and mordantly funny. She understands perfectly how the romance of exile--from a homeland as well as from heterosexuality--and the mundane reality of everyday life balance one another...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1573440175
• ISBN13: 9781573440172
• Release Date: August 1996
• Publisher: Cleis Press
• Length: 250 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

what a dance of remembrance ! - one you won't forget !

Achy Obejas, in her "Memory Mambo," writes creatively and cleverly of -- among other things -- as the title suggests, the very complex dance that our minds do when confronted with unforgettable (if altered) images that are subjectively recorded, subconsciously stored, and blurred by the rose-tinted lens of a hawk-like ego-defense!She does so via her creation of an alienated Juani Casas, a tormented romantic who recognizes that "lies destroy everything, but especially love," -- who "knows things in her heart," suffers in (and out of) love, and tends to obsess -- who wanders around wondering: "what REALLY happened?!?!?" .... but she, alone, is not the only one perplexed by events, as Obejas masterfully manipulates her mental musings, and leaves her readers also to "first-and-second guess!" -- what really happened - between Juani and Gina? .... and not quite knowing what to make of the somnolently surreal Rosa and Jimmy "incident."With these "interactions," could the author be exploring and exposing early childhood trauma that has been (is being -- in her characters) suppressed (?) -- and its connection/s to adult dysfunction, MALestar and discontented unhappiness (?) Only Obejas knows for sure -- and why should she say?!?! when part of the attraction to her pages is written between the lines in spaces and places that are replete with ambiguity, uncertainty and wide "open-endedness!"Lo misterioso y obsesionante is repeatedly evident -- especially in the evocation of three carefully chosen words: "te quiero verde" of a similarly anguished and lovelorn Spanish poet. Could they express Juani's desire for love's return, the return of its newness and (pre-lying) innocence (?) = yet another mystery linked only to the landscape of Cuba and her desire for forgiveness.Throughout the novel, Juani moves to her heart and soul's music as her mind pushes away painful memories and represses recollections-- to a subconscious storeroom where they will remain, mambo-ing just beneath her conscious awareness -- for "we see things as we are, not as they are" ... or so someone else once said.*******A rare read that provokes profound pensamiento and excites and incites intellect and every other sense! I read this book after "Days of Awe" -- and remain in awe of this exceptionally gifted and talented writer, obviously blessed with insight/s into human (mis)behavior! -- and -- who, like the characters to whom she gives life, is without a doubt multi-dimensional in depth!

Family belonging in a cultural diverse setting

I really enjoyed Achy's Memory Mambo since it opened new ways to see relationships, not only with our own relatives but also with those we choose to be our loved ones. She writes honestly, which takes strenght and a clear vision. I enjoyed Juani's struggle to make sense of her family history in Cuba and the role she plays in helping her family deal with the newness of the United States. I would like to recommend this book to anyone who has at one point or another wondered how relationships work and how the bi-cultural experience plays a role in our lives.

A stunning novel

This novel is a great read. I look forward to hearing more from this brilliant voice in fiction, Achy Obejas.

Powerful Politics and Pain

To avoid repetition, I just want to add that the writing is stunning -- a combination of directness and poetic politics. One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its contemplation of machismo and its attraction to women, even lesbians. Issues of violence and battering within straight and lesbian relationships are also powerfully addressed. To write a book with a protagonist who is not particularly sympathetic is quite risky. I applaud Ms. Obejas loud and long for her decision to do so. One note of caution: this author does not mince words when she is describing sex or violence.

Great fiction that holds attention and provides depth

I read this book in my Gay & Lesbian Lit. class at college. It is really good. You learn so much about the characters, something we don't always get in GLB literature. The storyline holds your attention and the end of the book makes you want to start over again!