In the Name of Salome Author:Julia Alvarez In her most ambitious work since In the Time of Butterflies, Julia Alvarez tells the story of a woman whose poetry inspired one Caribbean revolution and of her daughter whose dedication to teaching strengthened another. Camila Henriquez Urena is about to retire from her longtime job teaching Spanish at Vassar College. Only now as she sorts thro... more »ugh family papers does she begin to know the woman behind the legend of her mother, the revered Salome Urena, who died when Camila was three. In stark contrast to Salome, who became the Dominican Republic's national poet at the age of seventeen, Camila has spent most of her life trying not to offend anybody. Her mother dedicated her life to educating young women to give them voice in their turbulent new nation; Camila has spent her life quietly and anonymously teaching the Spanish pluperfect to upper-class American girls with no notion of revolution, no knowledge of Salome Urena. Now, in 1960, Camila must choose a final destination for herself. Where will she spend the rest of her days? News of the revolution in Cuba mirrors her own internal upheaval. In the process of deciding her future, Camila uncovers the truth of her mother's tragic personal life and, finally, finds a place for her own passion and commitment. Julia Alvarez has won a large and devoted audience by brilliantly illuminating the history of modern Caribbean America through the personal stories of its people. As a Latina, as a poet and novelist, and as a university professor, Julia Alvarez brings her own experience to this exquisite story.« less
A fascinating look into the life of the national poet of a troubled country, and the daughter of that poet coming to terms with her mother's life years after the mother's death.
I idid not care for this book. I very rarely give up on a book but after 123 pages I just couldn't care less. I didn't even care enough to skip to the end to find out how the story ended. Camilla was one dimensional and self absorbed. Not very likable at all. Salome was more interesting and likable but I felt her character was idolized. I did not care for how the author presented the story chronologically. It was hard to follow and confusing.
I was amazed since this book was so well reviewed. It was a book club selection. I was embarrassed to go to the meeting and admit I could not finish the book. I was not alone -- out of 8 people, only 2 finished the book.