The Mixquiahuala Letters

The problem as I see it regarding some of the negative reviewers is their ahistorical perspective, not just of literature but of society. I used this novel in my class shortly after it's publication in 1986. Ana Castillo was known for trailblazing with her poetry at least for ten years prior to this. There weren't any Chicana novelists to speak of at that time. There wasn't anyone saying the things she courageously penned in her youth. Today, people take for granted that there is such as a things as "Hispanic Literature", that women of color of all backgrounds can say what they want and get published by major publishers. Castillo was among the pioneers. Small presses not only paid no money, kept all rights, they had no editors. So what if she spelled a word wrong under those circumstances? Are we going to fault a woman poet from Aphganistan when she doesn't properly dot her eyes and cross her ts for the privileged for never knew what it was to struggle? Forget struggling! Who never knew oppression? This is what that generation had to do so that now, white women and others ignorant of their own peoples' history in this country can posture with the arrogance they presume they may have because of privilege. One reviewer called herself "half Chicana", "somewhat of a feminist"--when she becomes truly something and knows what it takes to get there then she may have earned the right to criticize those who came before her.

Have you ever felt disenfranchised either because you are a person of color, a woman, an outsider? Like you did not fit in but forced you way in anyway? Like the way you choose was a bit dangerous but still you loved it? Castillo captures those feelings and the ones we have when we share those wonderful crazy moments with someone of the same sex. Camaraderie and sisterhood is a theme that is woven into every word she writes. I recommend this book for entertainment and if it is required for a class then just consider yourself lucky.

The events in this book can be related to anyone's life in some way or another. This is a great read. I like the format, using personal letters rather than 3rd-person chapters.

I've read this book about 4 times in the course of 4 years. Every time, I'm even more facinated with it. A combination of emotions and vision all packed up in her letters. AC is the true definition of a literary artist!!

This is by far the best work that Ana Castillo has published. The letters are moving and passionate. A must for any Chicanas or feminists