The Tree of Life: Stories of Civil War [Paperback]

Mario Bencastro (Author), Susan Giersbach Rascon (Author, Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1997

The blight of political strife and social injustice color this richly textured short story collection about the passion and politics of civil war in El Salvador. The turmoil, intrigue and suffering have been captured and universalized in these beatifully wrought tales.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Spanish

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Arte Publico Pr; 1St Edition edition (May 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558851860
• ISBN-13: 978-1558851863
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,629,771 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Eloquent synthesis of a country in crisis, August 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Tree of Life: Stories of Civil War (Paperback)

Through short, entertaining vignettes, the author provides an eloquent synthesis of a country in crisis. With delicate brushtrokes of crisp prose, Mr. Bencastro paints memorable pictures against the backdrop of turmoil in his country. I found the Spanish version eminently readable and in the best tradition of the Latin American short story. Excellent reading.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History as a series of rich poetic photographs, May 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Tree of Life: Stories of Civil War (Paperback)

Mario Bencastro makes a portion of Salvadoran history more easily accessible to readers of all ages and, along with a translation intimately sensitive to the original Spanish, of Spanish- and English-speaking audiences alike. He captures the core of the human spirit through a collection of literary "pictures at an exhibition" where a civil war envelops a country's people in harsh realities that never seem possible until they happen and where what survives in the end, amidst all the rubble and bloodshed, is hope.

5.0 out of 5 stars Tree of Life, book, loved it, great price, April 28, 2008

By 

Mindy A. Stockdale (East Alton, Il) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Tree of Life: Stories of Civil War (Paperback)

I deeply enjoyed the book I purchased. I felt it was worth every penny. My transaction was pleasant and I would buy from this seller again. I have been to El Salvador 4 times and long to go back again soon. I am drawn to their history and this book was moving to me. Thank you.