This book is a classic for a reason. Cisneros tackles themes of sadness, shame, and belonging in this beautifully constructed bildungsroman. The each story is told from the perspective of the protagonist, Esperanza with shifts in point of view throughout. Cisneros is excellent at bringing Mango Street to life by showing small snippets (facts, fiction, observations) of the neighborhood and the people who reside there. While we follow the protagonist, the book seems to focus on Mango Street itself more than Esperanza.
Cisneros is unflinching in her depictions of abuse, the desire to escape one's socio-economic position, cultural clashes, and perceptions of the "other." The book shows the connection to Latin, particularly Mexican, culture throughout, but through the "other" lens. Every piece of information the reader gleans in this book is done through a snippet.
Perhaps most notable about this book is Cisneros' ability to characterize her nouns in unique ways that demonstrate her training as a poet. One that stuck with me the most was her description of an apartment that "breathed" a musty smell into the hall, demonstrating Cisneros' ability to be clear, concise, and impactful in even a single word.
