Face of an Angel

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Employing a variety of techniques-unattributed dialogue, stories within stories, passages from term papers and a waitressing manual-Chvez's accomplished first novel weaves the interlocking histories of the Dosamantes clan and the fictional New Mexico town of Agua Oscura. But the author, a playwright, actress and story writer, seeks to be more than a compiler of earthy, colorful tales about love, marriage, death, trailer parks and pickup trucks. Here is an updated Pilgrim's Progress with a Chicana feminist twist: Chvez follows the spiritual journey of her narrator, Soveida Dosamantes, who grows from a shy fearful girl to become a vulnerable, obliging waitress and, finally, a forceful woman ready to make difficult choices. Her highly readable style effortlessly mixes Spanish and English in a way that won't jar the monolingual reader (``May [the Virgin Mary] spare you a drunken man... smelling of frijoles and beer. Dios mo el gas!''). And if there is an occasional excess of sentimentality, there is never a dull moment in this rich polyphonic novel. 25,000 first printing; BOMC and QPB selections; author tour. (Sept.)

Library Journal

Soveida Dosamantes has mastered the art of serving the Catholic Church, restaurant patrons, and relatives. Growing up Latina in the predominantly Mexican town of Agua Oscura, New Mexico, she is reared by a mother and grandmother who enforce the Mexican tradition of serving husbands and God. Once living on her own, however, Soveida matures into an independent woman, empowered by courses in Mexicana studies at the community college, several lovers, and her co-workers at El Farol Mexican Restaurant. Telling the stories of a multitude of people, all of whom teach Soveida something about life, love, and happiness, Chvez has written a book about growing up with a double heritage and learning to shed the constraints of tradition and fear. Chvez rivals such literary counterparts as Sandra Cisneros in describing the Mexican American's struggle to find solace in American society. Highly recommended for libraries with Latin American and women's studies collections, and a definite plus to most fiction collections. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 5/15/94.]-Lisa Degliantoni, "Library Journal"