In his novel, 'sA Daughter'ss a Daughter,'s author Nash Candelaria presents a fictional account of the lives of a family of Hispanic women from New Mexico spanning three generations. Although each woman grew up during different time periods, they are bound by family, tradition, and strength.
The story begins with Liberata, an only child of a successful farmer. The narrative chronicles her life growing up with a loving family. She eventually meets and marries a man by the name
of Benito. Liberata expects to carry on the traditions of wife and mother, but her life is turned upside down as her husband abuses and cheats on her. One day he mysteriously disappears
and everyone assumes he joined the army. The story then chronicles the life of Liberata'ss daughter Maria. Maria'ss story is of a childhood where her mother tries to instill the ominous
rule: Don'st marry a man that is too handsome. Maria chooses to live as a traditional mother with her faith being a major source of strength. The story of Maria'ss daughter, Irene, is
that of an independent child full of questions. Her thirst for knowledge causes her to attend University and become a Lawyer
Each generation of women portrays personal growth and how they define themselves and their lives. There is growing independence from one generation to the next while the bonds of their
Chicano traditions keep them together. A major theme is the role of women in the family and society, from obedience and servitude to freedom and independence.As each generation
progresses, the affects of war on the family, the role of religion, love, and loss, becomes central to the plot. Nash Candelaria successfully delivers a fascinating tale about three
generations of engaging Hispanic women.
Book Reviews
Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services
The writing is rich in Hispanic culture and traditions from pre-World War II to present day. 'sA Daughter'ss a Daughter's is highly recommended to readers interested in Hispanic culture
and women'ss issues.
Rudolfo Anaya
Nash Candelaria is a gifted New Mexican Writer. In 'sA Daughter'ss a Daughter,'s he turns his novelistic insight and skills to the portrayal of three generations of Hispanic women. In
this historically important novel, Candelaria probes the culture and psychology of women as they struggle to liberate themselves from traditional roles. A satisfying and engaging novel.
Book Ordering
'sA Daughter'ss a Daughter's is published by Bilingual Press, ISBN: 9781931010443 , and can be purchased online at http://www.asu.edu/brp/newandforthcoming/Daughter1.html. The novel is also available on all major online bookstores such as
Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
About the Author
Nash Candelaria lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a descendant of one of the pioneer families that founded Albuquerque in 1706. He is the author of an acclaimed series of historical
novels dealing with the Southwest: 'sMemories of the Alhambra,'s 'sNot by the Sword,'s 'sInheritance of Strangers,'s and 'sLeonor Park.'s He has also authored two collections of short
stories: 'sThe Day the Cisco Kid Shot John Wayne's and 'sUncivil Rights and Other Stories.'s 'sNot by the Sword's received an American Book Award and was a finalist for the Western
Writers of America'ss Best Western Historical Novel award.
If you are interested in reviewing 'sA Daughter'ss a Daughter,'s or arranging for a talk and book signing, or interview, please contact:
Amy Phillips
Bilingual Press Marketing
Phone: 480-965-8234
E-mail: amy.k.phillips @ asu.edu