In 'Who Would Have Thought It: My Story of the American Civil War,' María Ruiz de Burton tells the story of how the Civil War impacts the lives of a young Mexican girl and her family living in America. Written in a unique literary style that combines social commentary with elements of satire and humor, the book provides a captivating insight into the racial and social dynamics of the time. The narrative is also enriched by Ruiz de Burton's use of Spanish phrases and cultural references, adding depth to the characters and setting. The novel is significant for its portrayal of the Mexican-American experience during this tumultuous period in American history. María Ruiz de Burton, as one of the first Mexican-American authors to write in English, brings a fresh perspective to the literature of the American Civil War. Drawing from her own experiences as a Mexican immigrant living in California, she sheds light on the complexities of identity and belonging. Her background as a member of the Mexican elite gives her a unique lens through which to examine the socio-political issues of the time. I highly recommend 'Who Would Have Thought It: My Story of the American Civil War' to readers interested in exploring the intersection of race, culture, and history. Ruiz de Burton's novel offers a thought-provoking and engaging narrative that continues to resonate with contemporary discussions on diversity and inclusion.
Autorentext
María Amparo Ruiz de Burton (1832-1895) was the first female Mexican-American author to write in English. Her best known work is "Who Would Have Thought It?" a novel on Civil War. Ruiz de Burton's work is considered to be a precursor to Chicano literature. Her life took her from coast to coast in the United States, which provided her with opportunity for first-hand observation of the U.S., its westward expansion, the American Civil War, and its aftermath.
Zusammenfassung
This book details the struggles of a Mexican-American girl born in Indian captivity, Lola, in an American society obsessed with class, religion, race and gender. The first part of the book follows the central family in the years leading up to the start of the American Civil War and the attack on Fort Sumter (18571861), and flashbacks are meant to take the readers back further than that time line, such as the kidnapping of Lola's mother in 1846. The second part chronicles the events that took place during the Civil War (18611864). Each chapter focuses on a particular character and is told from an omniscient point of view. Who Would Have Thought It? is a semi-autobiographical novel written by María Ruiz de Burton and it reflects the author's ambiguous position between the small in number Californio elite and the Anglo-American populace, which form the majority of the United States population.