The Dark Side of the Dream

By Alejandro Grattan-Dominguez

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1558851402
• ISBN13: 9781558851405
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Arte Publico Press
• Length: 434 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

The raw inside picture of the Mexican's Norte dream

As an American who lived in El Paso for seven years and who has now lived in central western Mexico for some years, the book immediately captured my attention and held it throughout. For a real account of the lives of Mexicans who cross the border to make a better life, this is it. It is a true to life, heartbreaking, heart warming, story told with the raw emotions of the storyteller obvious in all of the characters and their very human actions. For those who want a true picture of the hopes and heartbreak of poor Mexicans searching for a better life in Norte America, this is just the way it is. I recommend it highly to both those who really want to know, and to those who just want a great read.

The Dark Side of The Dream offers an insite on life.

I am a Mexican/American and after having lived 1/2 of my life in Mexico, and the other 1/2 in the USA, I can state that the novel was written in such a manner that it depicts the many tragedies, anguish faced by our Mexican immigrants whether they are here legally or not. It should be made into a mini Tv series such as "roots".

The most interesting Mexican-American story I ever read!

As a Mexican, and someone with a Master's Degree in History, I read this novel with great interest and some suspicion, knowing that the book was purportedly "historical fiction." Too often in the past, such books published in the United States have been more fictional than historical. The first casualty is invariably the truth, with Mexico and its people usually shortchanged in the process. Imagine then my surprise when I found that this novel not only has played fair, but is such a stirring story it may well inspire a new generation of young Mexican-Americans. The book deals with an all-Hispanic U.S. Army rifle company that suffered a terrible defeat in Italy during the Second World War. Later that same outfit became one of the most highly decorated units in American history. The latter part of the novel is about a migrant worker strike that took place in South Texas just after the Korean War. In that struggle, the workers, mainly Mexicans, lost the battle but probably set the stage for the victories that came some fifteen years later in California. Throughout these two actual incidents, the author skillfully weaves in the story of the Salazar family as they struggle to make a place for themselves in their new country. But this is no propaganda piece, pitting noble Mexicans against evil Anglos. Many of the Mexicans in the story have serious personal flaws, while several of the Anglos are decent human beings. Rather than the standard ethnic caricatures, the author has filled his story with highly believable and fascinating characters. In doing so, he has elevated this fast-paced, action-filled drama to the level of serious literature. After a lifetime of reading books about Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, I think this is one historical novel that stands in a class all its own. A Reader in Central Mexico

An extraordinary novel of the plight of Mexican/Americans

This book held my attention from the very beginning of the book until the end. Even though thenovel is fiction; the narrative of the Salazar family is typical of the plight of Mexican/Americans during the period the novel covers as well as the current situation with Mexican immigrants. Thumbs up to the author of this novel

One of best historical sagas I have ever read.

This epic novel centers on the Salazar family, who migrate from Mexico to the United States shortly after the outbreak of WW II. The first part of the story focuses on an all-Hispanic rifle company that lost its colors at the Battle of the Rapido River in Italy. In that battle, Miguel Salazar wins the Medal of Honor, only to return home to his barrio in El Paso to have his fame exploited by a ruthless older brother. Over time, Miguel ends up almost where he started, but in the process becomes an American. The second half of the novel finds another branch of the Salazar family deeply involved in improving the plight of the Mexican migrant worker in south Texas. Again, the tension is increased by dissension within the family. One of the very first farm labor strikes in American history soon follows, and though it was a failure, within that defeat were contained the seeds of the victories that were to come a few decades later in California. Both of the aforementioned events actually happened, and while this might have made for a rather dry historical novel, the author has filled the book with indelible characters, wonderful action scenes and a poignancy that is quite touching. Brilliantly conceived and masterfully narrated, the author has a great, little-known story to tell and he writes it remarkably well. This is a novel that satisfies, yet angers. A novel with a soul.