WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT... that it would be a really great telenovela..

My reactions to the first part of the novel is quite positive. I found it to be very captivating because of the flow and easiness of the story. I think that it is an interesting read because it is sort of like a soap opera...and soap operas have drama...and i love drama. But also apart from the drama i think that the first part of the book really touches on important themes that are tied into the course. Race is obviously a big issue and reveals to us the mindset of the people of that time and also the exceptions that are made to overlooking race when other factors, like money are involved. I found it a little weird that Lola was not actually black or native, and that her skin was only painted but perhaps we can see this as symbolic for how looks can be decieving. Another theme i thought was important was your gender related to nation in the novel. It is obvious that women were not valued in that society in terms of politics or government because of their lack of education about the subject. I found Lavvy to be a great example of the portrayel of innocence and ignorance to what was actually going on in her country and the propaganda that she was receiving. I think the dynamics of this book is really interesting and im excited to learn more about it. Im not too sure how this relates to much with chicanos, but perhaps the book touches more on societal views of foreigners during the time of the civil war in the US and how they were an influence or a nuisance to the stereotypical patriotic american citizen. anyways im excited to see what goes on in the book further after the death of the doctor. and mostly to see whether julian and lola end up together...drama drama!!!