Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo A. Anaya, Robert Ramirez (Narrated by)
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(Compact Disc - Unabridged, 10 CDs, 11.25 hours)
- Publisher: Recorded Books, LLC
- Pub. Date: March 2004
- ISBN-13: 9781402583650
- Sales Rank: 104,797
- Edition Description: Unabridged, 10 CDs, 11.25 hours
Synopsis
A talent for meaningful storytelling and exquisite prose has made Rudolfo Anaya a leading exponent of Chicano literature in English. Anaya's work has won international acclaim, earning him a premier place in virtually every anthology of Latino writing. Now his classic bestseller, "Bless Me, Ultima" is reborn in this beautifully illustrated special edition. Antonio Marez is six years old when Ultima enters his life. She is a curandera, one who heals with herbs and magic. 'We cannot let her live her last days in loneliness,' says Antonio's mother. 'It is not the way of our people,' agrees his father. And so Ultima comes to live with Antonio's family in New Mexico. Soon Tony will journey to the threshold of manhood. Always, Ultima watches over him. She graces him with the courage to face childhood bigotry, diabolical possession, the moral collapse of his brother, and too many violent deaths. Under her wise guidance, Tony will probe the family ties that bind him, and he will find in himself the magical secrets of the pagan past—a mythic legacy equally as palpable as the Catholicism of Latin America in which he has been schooled. At each turn in his life there is Ultima who will nurture the birth of his soul. Enhanced by four full-color paintings by noted New Mexican artist Bernadette Vigil, this book will be treasured by all admirers of Rudolfo Anaya, whether they are longtime followers of his work or are discovering him for the first time.
Library Journal
Besides winning the Premio Quinto Sol national Chicano literary award, this novel of a young boy in New Mexico in the 1940s has sold more than 300,000 copies in paperback since its 1973 debut. Here, however, the book gets the hardcover treatment, with a few illustrations added for color. LJ's reviewer asserted that ``the novel has warmth and feeling'' (LJ 2/1/73) and a place in all fiction collections, especially those serving Chicano populations.
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Fight for what you believe inby Anonymous
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September 24, 2008: Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya is about a young boy named Antonio who is conflicted with internal and external problems. The story turns on his connection to a healer named Ultima. After the old woman comes to live with him and his family in New Mexico, many doubts rise within him. Doubts about God, religion, good and evil torment Antonio on a daily basis. He is also faced with the struggle between his mother wanting him to be like a Luna 'her family', not like a Marez, 'his father?s family'. The pressure is great from his parents. Maria Marez, Antonio?s mother is a devout catholic who dreams of her last son becoming a priest. On the other hand Gabriel Marez, Antonio?s father, who is a dreamer, a vaquero, a man of freedom, wishes for his son to follow in his footsteps and maybe someday decide to move to California with him. Ultima plays a strong role in Antonio?s life. Since she helped at the birth of Antonio, she knows what lies in Antonio?s future. As soon as Antonio meets Ultima, he feels a strong bond towards her, a connection unlike any other. That fall Antonio begins school where he learns many different things from all of his new friends. Antonio witnesses many things during Ultima?s stay with the family. Events that haunt him and scar him. Within a year Antonio grows from a child into a young man. Antonio is a young boy with immense knowledge and courage. He is very smart and is very mature for his age. I like Antonio because he is not much like the other boys from his school. He is very courageous because he stands up for what he believes in and protects Ultima at all cost. Although the town sees Ultima as a witch, Antonio knows who she really is. Ultima is a woman of sincere nobility and with her magic powers she helps anyone she can. She even helps Antonio?s uncle. Ultima teaches Antonio about the beauty that is in nature and the powers nature has to heal. Since Ultima has helped so many, he cherishes her and wants her to be safe. She is like a second mother to him. Many symbols and themes are in the story. From religious images, magical items, trying to find identity, the importance of moral independence and dreams, the importance of family, learning and education. Antonio takes all of this into consideration and wants to discover who he really is. Ultima considers Antonio to be ?a man of learning.? I admire Antonio because he likes to learn and that is something valuable. I relate a lot to Bless Me, Ultima, because I am familiar with the religious things in the story. I come from a Catholic background such as Antonio, and like Antonio at times I am confused about my religion. I do not understand why God allows certain things to happen. Like Antonio I am on a quest to find what is right for me. I understand how Antonio feels and I know where he comes from. I know what it?s like to feel pressure from my parents and others who want me to be a certain way. I don?t like how Antonio?s mom tries to make him want to be a priest. Antonio is trapped between his mother?s wishes, his father?s goals, and his own dreams. I recommend this book to everyone, especially young adults. I think young adults can identify with Antonio and learn from him that it?s alright to stand up for their dreams. Everyone who reads Bless Me, Ultima will become inspired by this young boy and will definitely learn something positive.
if you get bord...by Anonymous
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April 19, 2008: this book was dissapointing, not that into it. the story line was a little funky, and i wouldn't want to read it again.
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