The Family Tree [Paperback]

Margo Glantz (Author), Susan Bassnett (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1991

The first translation into English of a major Mexican writer, this autobiographical novel tells of a Jewish woman's journey from Odessa, USSR to Mexico City in order to search for her family roots.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The author has passionately pursued her own family tree in this novel, first published in Spanish in 1981. Her dual heritage is a captivating one, beginning with prerevolutionary Russia and proceeding with her parents' immigration to Mexico, where she was born. Caught between two cultures, this family is forced to adapt, but they nurture a passion for their homeland with their continuing interest in the arts and liberal politics. The rich descriptive style of the unfolding narrative intertwines memories of another way of life in Russia with the author's own experiences in Mexico. A love of tradition echoes with each clink of a silver spoon against a steaming tall glass of tea. Portraits of eminent figures who crossed paths with the family add further interest. The author comes full circle with a trip to the Soviet Union to explore her Jewish identity. Black-and-white photos punctuate the text. Recommended for public libraries.
- Mary Ellen Beck, Troy P.L., N.Y.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Spanish

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Serpent's Tail (July 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852421827
• ISBN-13: 978-1852421823
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 4.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,711,041 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating glimpse into Mexican Jewish life, April 11, 2001

By 

Michael J. Mazza - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Family Tree (Paperback)

"The Family Tree," by Margo Glantz, is a wonderful book by a Jewish writer of Mexico. Although the jacket of the book describes "Family Tree" as a "novel," the book in fact seems to incorporate elements of family history, ethnic history, and autobiography. It is primarily written in the form of a conversation between the author/narrator and her parents, a Jewish couple who emigrated from the Ukraine to Mexico. The book has been translated into a very readable English by Susan Bassnett, and contains many delightful family photographs.

"The Family Tree" offers the reader a fascinating window into the lives of the Jewish immigrant community in Mexico. Glantz includes many fascinating anecdotes, such as being treated for head lice as a child, or being temporarily "converted" to Christianity by her neighbors. Her parents also recall the threat of anti-Semitic violence in both Europe and Mexico. Also, the book is peppered with interesting pop culture references: Flash Gordon, Greta Garbo, King Kong, Don Ameche, etc.

I was most fascinated, however, by the parents' recollections of the Yiddish literary and theater scene in Mexico. These portions of the book underscore the importance of Yiddish as a Jewish cultural language. Overall, "The Family Tree" is a wonderful book, rich in tragedy, humor, and history.