Overview
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.Editorials
Children's Literature
AGERANGE: Ages 12 up.Perro Viejo has lived his whole life as a slave. He was removed from his mother at birth, and this experience has formed the basis for a lifelong sense of loss that was later exacerbated after he met then lost a beautiful girl named Asunción. Perro was named "Old Dog" by the plantation master, who noticed the man's habit of sniffing any new thing and was reminded of the plantation's bloodhounds as they chased fugitive slaves. Now, in his old age, Perro has become friends with Beira, who is believed to be a witch and thus shunned by their fellow slaves. When a young slave named Aísa escapes from a neighboring plantation, Beira gives the girl sanctuary and the promise of aid. But she needs Perro's help if the girl is to get away. Will Perro overcome his deep-seated fear long enough to get his first taste of freedom? Today's students often only read about slavery in the pages of their history textbooks. Teresa Cárdenas' chilling first-hand account allows readers a candid, unflinching look at slavery. Winner of the Casa de las Américas prize. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green