Synopsis
Perro Viejo was taken away from his mother at birth and has known no other life than that of servitude on a sugar plantation. His name, which means "Old Dog," was given to him by the plantation master because, like the bloodhounds that chased fugitive slaves, Perro Viejo is always searching for the scent of his long lost mother. The only thing that keeps him alive is the memory of Asunción, a beautiful girl he once met while washing his master’s horses at a river. Never to see her again, he closes his heart to all forms of love. Nearing the end of his life, Perro Viejo meets Beira, an old slave who is avoided by the other slaves because they think she is a witch. She warms Perro Viejo’s heart, and together they hatch a plan to escape from slavery. Young readers join Perro Viejo as he finally learns what it is to love — and to feel free.
VOYA
Perro Viejo (Old Dog) does not know his real name and has few memories of his life prior to being a slave on a Cuban sugar plantation. He remembers being torn from his mother as a young child and brought to the plantation, where for years he has yearned to recall his mother's long-forgotten face. His most haunting memory is of a beautiful girl he met once while washing his master's horse in a river. He instantly loves her but never sees her again. Even fifty years later, he remembers her as he awaits death. His one inspiration late in life is a wary friendship with Beira, a slave who treats his wounds but is considered a witch by the other slaves. Perro Viejo and Beira work to help a young slave girl escape the plantation, and for a brief moment the Old Dog tastes freedom. This compact but powerful novel won the Casa de las Americas Prize, one of Latin America's most prestigious literary awards. The imagery is beautiful and reminiscent of perhaps the greatest Latin American writer, Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Perro Viejo's quest to find some measure of freedom late in his difficult life is a memorable glimpse into the existence of Cuban slaves. Although this book is beautifully written, it likely will not have widespread young adult appeal, but once added to the collection, teens (and adults) who discover it will treasure it. Reviewer: Sherrie Williams