Esperanza rising

 

Growing up I had always heard stories of Eelam Tamils being chased away from their country, become refugees in various other countries.  I used to wonder how they would ever adjust to a life without any support or the things they are used to.  But becoming a refugee doesn't stop here alone.  It has been and is still happening all around us.  Israel, Bangladesh or Mexico to name a few.  Mexicans enter US everyday and the government has been taking measures to control it everyday.

Well, you may ask if I am ever going to review the story.  But this is the story.  Its about Esperanza and her family who are forced to flee their own country and take abode in USA.  The story starts all rosy and warm but young Anza's life is upturned when her father dies and every wealth is taken over by her scheming uncles.  

She leaves Mexico with her mother and friends and face a life she had never imagined.  But luckily she already has acquaintances in USA who arrange for a job and accommodation.  It would be a night mare to think of life if there were no support in a place too foreign to us.  It would be like walking in the dark.  The story is not about riches to rag with depressing details.  The author has not held any grudge or disappointment about the past or the turn of events, instead she focusses on hope, love and support without which no one can endure the wrath of fate.  The story also focusses on how they are being stereotyped, the poor living conditions and the toiling workload.  It also explains about how they have to put with a lot of things like no protest, poor wages and still show empathy towards each other.

The last remnants of her previous life become her comfort now esp. the crochet and hook and rose her father planted.  She finds solace in the fact that she has someone to lean on to.  It is not about revenge or becoming rich again, but its about something more practical and powerful - starting over again.  This ending is what makes it more touching and realistic.

In the author's note, she mentions that this story is based on her grandmother and her recollection of events in her life.  Its a promising and uplifting story of how one should "never be afraid to start over".