I, Juan de Pareja (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "I, Juan de Pareja, was born into slavery early in the seventeenth century..." (more)
Key Phrases: Brother Isidro, Don Carmelo, Juan Bautista (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An excellent novel, written in the form of an autobiography, about the painter Vel†zquez and his Negro slave and assistant, Juan de Pareja...[who] was legally prohibited from painting because he was a slave." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
-- Review

Review

"An excellent novel, written in the form of an autobiography, about the painter Vel†zquez and his Negro slave and assistant, Juan de Pareja...[who] was legally prohibited from painting because he was a slave." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (August 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374435251
• ISBN-13: 978-0374435257
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #590,149 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Supremely Intelligent and Well-Done, July 8, 2003

By	Allyn "pianogirl" (USA) - See all my reviews

Based on "thin threads" of truth, "I, Juan de Pareja" explores the relationship between famous 17th-century Spanish painter Diego Velazquez and his black slave, Juan de Pareja. Written in first person as if Juan is really telling his story, it is the chronicle of much of Juan's life and and his colorful experiences as apprentice to a master painter.

There are many excellent aspects of this book, yet I think that the "strength" of the character of Juan is the book's biggest asset. Many books that are simply first person narratives are dry and boring, yet one could never complain of boredom while reading "I, Juan de Pareja." Juan's intelligence shines through in every page and his intuitiveness fills the book with detail. Also, his struggle to paint (because Spanish slaves at the time were forbidden to practice the arts) is fascinating, suspenseful, and ultimately inspiring. This book would not be a 5-star read without a strong character like Juan.

Historical detail also adds great richness to the book. Author de Trevino has captured the mood of 17th century Spain perfectly, and her accounts of Juan's Italian travels fascinate the reader as well. Art facts and descriptions are well-placed, and the reader will find themselves interested in the rich history presented in the book, rather than bored by it.

Furthermore, supporting characters are excellent! The portrayal of Diego Velazquez was well-imagined by the author, and the master painter's comments ring with insight and truth. The nobles, the painter's family, the Spanish king, Dutch painter Ruebens...they all come to life in "I, Juan de Pareja."

Finally, the end of the book is triumphant and fitting. I can't say much more without spoiling the book, but trust me, it's one of the most well-done endings you could find. It is hard to find a single flaw in this book. Vibrant history, excellent characters...why aren't more people reading this book?

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Truth in Art and Loyalty in Friendship, February 25, 2000

By	Plume45 "kitka12345" (Westchester, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I, Juan de Pareja (Hardcover)

Trevino's 1966 Newbery winner may seem a sleeper by today's standards of violence and adult themes in YA literature. Nevertheless, I consider it an excellent representative for both Biography and Historical Fiction genres. Careful research yields authentic 17th century detail as Trevnio recreates the Baroque court of Spain, from the viewpoint of the royal painter, Diego Velasquez, and his faithful Black slave, Juan de Pareja.

Narrated in the first person by Juanico from his sheltered childhood, this gently-paced book relates the historical events and reconstructed dialogue and emotions for much of his life. The poor boy suffered horribly at the hands of a cruel gypsy mule driver, but once he reached the haven of his new master in Madrid, such torture would never be inflicted on him again. Juan disovers that he also possesses artistic talents and ambitions, but in Baroque Spain it was illegal for a slave to practice any form of art. Thus he had to steal colors and paint in secret, as the punishment for disobedience to this particular law was most severe--even unto death.

During this partial biography of the great court painter, Velasquez, we meet two other famous artists who visited the master: Rubens and Murillo. We are treated to private, behind-the-scenes glimpses of the blond King and his pompous entourage. As Juan travels in Italy with his famous Master, he receives conflicting impressions of Italians and their artistic style. Yet he earns the respect of those around him with his impressive, folkoric healing skills. But art is his private passion; he refuses to stop painting on the sly. Since he is an honest man, such deception causes him great guilt and shame. Otherwise, his life as a slave is almost enviable, since he does not chafe at the yoke of slavery--he merely resents the unfair restrictions on talent based on inherited bondage.

I was impressed by his loyalty to and sincere devotion for the Master, even after Velasquez changed their status. This story reveals the meaning of true friendship, which knows no racial or ethnic barriers. This is an excellent book for Black History relations; it includes a brief discussion of mankind's great curse: slavery. There are different ways to accomplish the goal of peaceful coexistence between races; this book leads introspective readers to reflect on the philosophy of Life.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone, this is truely a wonderful book, May 14, 1998

By A Customer

I read this book in the sixth grade, and I thought I should just read it because my teacher, Ms. Aperribay, had us and I didn't want to get a "F" for this work. So I read it, bored with it in the first chapter. Then... I thought it was wonderful! Juan de Pareja is a true story of a slave of the famous painter, Diego de Silva y Velazquez, and he studies, just by watching, the arts of true painting. Secretly, he does his own pieces, and they are beautiful! He wishes he could share it with someone, but if he tells, he will be sinned because slaves aren't supposed to paint! This book disserves a 100 thumbs up, but I guess there is no such thing. I read this in spanish, and even though I didn't understand it well, I loved it.