Bodega Dreams.Bodega bo·de·ga n. 1. A small grocery store, sometimes combined with a wineshop, in certain Hispanic communities. 2. A warehouse for the storage of wine. Dreams by Ernesto Quinonez Vintage, March 2000 $12.00, ISBN ISBN abbr. International Standard Book Number ISBN International Standard Book Number ISBN n abbr (= International Standard Book Number) → ISBN m 0-375-70589-9 The place is Spanish Harlem Spanish Harlem, also known as El Barrio, is a neighborhood in the East Harlem area of New York City, in the north-eastern part of the borough of Manhattan. Spanish Harlem is one of the largest predominantly Latino communities in New York City. , and William Irizzary, a.k.a. "Willie Bodega," is running things. Feared by many and deified de·i·fy tr.v. dei·fied, dei·fy·ing, dei·fies 1. To make a god of; raise to the condition of a god. 2. To worship or revere as a god: deify a leader. 3. by most, Bodega slips covertly through El Barrio El Barrio can refer to any predominantly Hispanic American community, especially a lower or working class neighborhood. It may specifically refer to:
n. An American ideal of a happy and successful life to which all may aspire: . In this world, everyone knows and owes Bodega. Whether renovating dilapidated buildings to provide housing, helping new immigrants get on their feet, paying college tuition for half the kids on the block, funding small businesses, or sponsoring Latino artists, Bodega--backed by his seeming endless well of drug money--makes dreams happen. The only thing he asks--and expects in return--is loyalty. Although Bodega is a central character, the novel focuses on Julio "Chino Chino (chē`nō), city (1990 pop. 59,682), San Bernardino co., S Calif.; founded 1887, inc. 1910. It is the business and processing center of a diversified farming (notably dairying) area. " Mercado, a half-Puerto Rican, half-Ecuadorian 20-something man. Mercado is full of promise, yet struggling to balance college, work, and caring for his equally youthful and very pregnant wife. Due to his long-time friendship with his main man, nicknamed "Sapo," Mercado finds himself face-to-face with the street philosopher/do-gooder Bodega, and becomes intricately tied with this street merchant's dream. Despite his dirty dealings, Bodega envisions creating an elite class of Latinos--reminiscent of DuBois' "talented tenth," spiked with a bit of Black Panther politics--which would revitalize the neighborhood, create change, and give Latinos, and most importantly Bodega, power. But Bodega's sentimental idealism--no matter how noble--comes at a high cost, and Mercado soon bears witness to an underworld of violence and betrayal. With Bodega Dreams, Ernesto Quinonez skillfully switches from English to Spanish to create an urban legend where words vibrate on the page. Despite some periodic, semi-stereotypical machismo-laced comments, and a few implausible developments, Quinonez has crafted a suspenseful and strangely comedic tale. Gritty, yet entertaining, Bodega Dreams gives readers a contemporary urban cautionary tale sure to entertain. Gale Greenlee is a freelance writer based in Greensboro, NC. |
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