Customer Reviews

Memory Mambo: A Novel

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

I had to read this book for an English class, but I am thankful I did. It is a good book, and the story moves pretty quickly. You get a sense of playing the roll of the alien, as Juani, is both a Cuban exile in AMerica and Lesbian, both of which make her an oustider of Main Stream American culture. Objeas, did an excellent job letting the reader feel how one might feel if they were a stranger in their native land, and treated as an outsider in their new home as well. A good read...

I had not read "You came all the way from Cuba" before reading "Memory Mambo," so I had little previous exposure to Obejas other than reading a few of her columns in the local Chicago papers. Overall, I was impressed with the novel; I liked her writing style, the stories she told, and how she told them. As a reader, the author's discussion of memory, family relationships, the experience of being an exile, and race and cultural issues all stood out. However, I did not entirely understand what the character named Jimmy was doing in this novel, especially at its conclusion. Perhaps he is an aspect of Juani/Obejas, but his involvement in what I can only call "the surprise" at the conclusion of the novel seemed largely unwarranted or misplaced to me.

Memory Mambo presents life, death, thoughts, stories, loves, politics, feelings and idiosyncrasies of a Cuban family. The focus is on the exiled family living in Chicago, but includes members living in other parts of the United States and those still in Cuba. Achy Obejas makes the work unique by presenting the biographically sounding fiction slice-of-life presentation through the eyes of Juani Casas, a 24 year old lesbian. Not only is the reader exposed to the family, but also the emotions of Juani in her search for love and truth.

Mostly blood family members are presented in the book with mentions of "cousins in exile" and other nationalities they have married or dated. The cast of characters includes a Father highly agitated and indignant, believing the CIA stole his formula for duct tape, a wealthy artist Uncle who fought along side Castro and believes he accidentally caused one of his major defeats in the revolution, an Aunt that keeps failing in her attempt to leave Cuba and a support group of cousins. The two major exceptions to blood family are Jimmy, cousin Caridad's husband and Gina, Juani's girlfriend. Jimmy provides the human antagonist throughout the book. Though his un-asked-for actions possibly help Juani after a violent and devastating breakup with Gina, the price he demands is more than she can pay for his despicable actions. His attitude is summed by "No wife of his was going to be seen all over town with a gaggle of lesbians; what kind of man would people think he was if his wife was always hanging out with tortilleras?" With Gina, Obejas covers the depth and breath of feelings from total love to abject hate.

The text is written in English and sprinkled with Spanish adequately achieving the meanings and feelings Obejas presents. For those unfamiliar with the language a glossary is included at the end of the book.

This is the author's second book and covers 22 chapters in 237 pages. Her first book is "We came all the way from Cuba so you could dress like this?

When I purchased Memory Mambo to read for a class, I had no idea that this book would shape my life. While reading, I felt a connective pull towards the main character in the book. Her life story, though different than mine, reflected many similarities and parallels. I felt that everything I have studied thus far all culminated in this one work of literature. Achy Obejas' writing spoke to me so strongly that I have recently purchased another of her books. I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially those interested in Latina or lesbian culture.

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.

This book was sharply written overall and really peaked my interest in the Cuban-American community. The dialogue did get a little inane at times, and let's face it--the ending seemed like a surreal passage from some other book, and left the reader saying..."what?"

This book was sharply written overall and really peaked my interest in the Cuban-American community. The dialogue did get a little inane at times, and let's face it--the ending seemed like a surreal passage from some other book, and left the reader saying..."what?"

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!