Where Angels Glide at Dawn: New Stories from Latin America [Paperback]

Lori M. Carlson (Author), Cynthia L. Ventura (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1993

A unique collection of contemporary Latin American stories. These tales represent a variety of countries and a wide range of voices. This anthology is a superb medley of Latin Anerica's diverse cultures and literatures.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Tinged with the surreal quality of dreams and fairy tales, this collection of translated stories amplifies the richness of Latin American culture. Reflecting a history of social upheaval and political changes, the selections reveal the quiet wisdom and deep emotions of a strong, enduring people. Ariel Dorfman's "The Rebellion of the Magical Rabbits" emerges as an allegory of the effects of a dictatorship in Chile. "Tarma," by Maria Rosa Fort, describes the eternal beauty of a small Peruvian village that has recently been invaded. Other stories focus on the traditions, dramas and contemporary lifestyles of families from Puerto Rico, Cuba, Panama, Mexico and El Salvador. Bolstered by a glossary of terms and brief explanations of each entry's setting, these 10 tales are as accessible as they are intriguing. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-8 --A wonderful find--a collection of stories by South American writers translated into English. Ranging in length from 2-20 pages, whether scary, funny, fantastic, or touching, each story is more delightful and engaging than the one before. There are allegorical rabbits, out-of-work circus clowns, governesses with secret lives, grandmothers with hair-raising tales, and more, including surprise endings or ironic twists in almost every instance. Many first-person accounts lend both humorous and moving insights into life in different cultures or under other political regimes. The writing style is reminiscent, in its straightforward yet unpredictable style, of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Isabel Allende (who provides the introduction to the collection). In addition, virtually all are superb read-aloud selections. At times the concluding material that attempts to explain the locale and atmosphere of the stories is unnecessary, but despite this flaw, this very appealing journey into the life and mysteries of the other America is a welcome addition to any collection. --Joanne Aswell, Long Valley Middle School, NJ
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Trophy Pr (April 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064404641
• ISBN-13: 978-0064404648
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,629,803 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars TALES OF LATIN AMERICA, May 21, 2002

By 

Bonita L. Davis - See all my reviews

This review is from: Where Angels Glide at Dawn: New Stories from Latin America (Hardcover)

If you want to introduce children to the literature of Latin America, this volume of short stories is the best resource. Where Angels Glide at Dawn contains ten short stories by Latin America's modern authors. The authors are from Puerto Rico, Peru, Panama, and other Latin American countries. Thus the reader is given a wide range of cultural perspectives in reading the stories from such a diverse group.

Some of these stories are political in nature suc as The Rebellion of the Magical Rabbits which will keep you bowling over in laughter. Another story will show you at what lengths grown ups will go through to provide something spectacular for children. Still another story will deal with the hurt and war torn actions that go on in a country and its impact on the people.

You will find this collection interesting. Isabel Allende provides the book with a delightful introduction that carries us into the imagination of the authors. These are perfect bed time stories to read to your children but can also be used for reflection for adults.