Victor Villaseñor

I love the history that is shown in a beautiful aspect of Mexico in this book. Albeit, some gruesome truths ti the repercussions of the revolution. Even more beautiful is that I relate to a this book that relates to your my history. I’ve heard so many stories of old Mexico and the mystery, the miracles, the spiritual aspects of it, and this book captures it so beautifully and eloquently! Although most of it is based in California and not Mexico. The spirit lives on in these once Mexican states. I had a great time reading it and it’s my third time reading it because every time I read it I go to a place in my heart that holds still with the mystery and beauty of life.

Epic portrayal of a Mexican family’s journey to a new life in the United States — at times poetic, at times hilarious. Through the story, the reader will fall in love with Lupe, who begins in the narrative as a little girl; admire the matriarchs of the two families as the true heroes; and question his/her emotions toward Salvador, the bootlegger who at once searches for the deepest levels of love and relationship on one hand, and a fundamental lack of ability for honesty on the other hand. Part of the wisdom of the book is Villasenor’s skill to have the reader see the good and the bad in the characters. The story denies the artificial yet ubiquitous practice to categorize everyone and everything as good or bad. Lastly, as a caucasian, who grew up in Texas and Southern California, I love the Hispanic people and much of the Hispanic culture. This book made me appreciate them both more.

Victor Villaseñor could barely read when he decided to fulfill his dream of being a writer. Today, he has written nine novels, and 65 stories; he also is now a slow, but enthusiastic reader.

by Liz Attebery

Quitting has never been an option for Victor Villaseñor.  The celebrated Mexican-American author, whose writing has been compared to that of John Steinbeck and Gabriel Garcia Marquez, wrote nine novels and 65 stories and received 265 rejections before his first book was published in 1973.  The book, Macho, is a novel about a young farm worker who leaves his home in Mexico to seek a better life picking fruit in California, where he can earn more in a week than he can in a year back home.  The man endures backbreaking work, grueling conditions, and low wages, but, like the author, he never gives up.

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I want to thank you for your writing genius. I’ve never contacted an author before whose work has touched me so profoundly. To be able to mix reality, humor, pain, suffering, joy, spirituality, and humility is a rare quality in most writing.

Upon a friend’s recommendation, I recently read Wild Steps of Heaven, Thirteen Senses, and Burro Genius. I began reading Rain of Gold, but honestly had to put it down because it became difficult to stomach the sheer repetitive heartbreak and horrific suffering, racism, and oppression your people were forced to live with. It is however, your history and heritage, and I hope to finish it some day. I’ve just ordered Macho! and Crazy Loco Love…

I grew up and lived in the Northeast for over 50 years before relocating to Southern California in 2002. A curious person by nature, I have read numerous books about the West to better familiarize myself with the history and the people. I previously had no direct knowledge of Hispanic or Mexican American culture, and now find myself immersed in it. Your life and that of your lineage, through your written words and expressions, have enhanced my knowledge and appreciation greatly. I appreciate your frankness and your humility.