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Bless Me, Ultima

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1972

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Book Brief

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Rudolfo Anaya

Bless Me, Ultima

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1972
Book Details
Pages

262

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New Mexico • 1940s

Publication Year

1972

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

840L

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Super Short Summary

Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya tells the story of six-year-old Antonio Márez, who is torn between his parents' conflicting dreams for his future and grapples with questions of faith, identity, and morality. When Ultima, an elderly healer, comes to stay with his family, she guides Antonio in understanding the natural world and navigating the spiritual complexities around him. Includes themes of violence, death, and trauma-induced mental health challenges.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Emotional

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.2

39,213 ratings

68%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya is widely praised for its rich cultural depiction and deep spiritual themes, resonating with Chicano literature. Readers appreciate the poetic language and complex characters. Criticisms note a slow pace and occasional predictability. Overall, it is hailed as a seminal work blending mysticism and coming-of-age narrative effectively.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Bless Me, Ultima?

Readers who enjoy mystical realism, coming-of-age narratives, and cultural exploration in literature will find Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya engaging. Comparable to Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude and Sandra Cisneros’s The House on Mango Street, it appeals to those interested in Latino heritage and spiritual journeys.

4.2

39,213 ratings

68%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

Antonio Juan Márez y Luna

A six-year-old boy growing up in a Mexican Catholic community who is torn between his parents' conflicting dreams and begins questioning his faith while encountering diverse spiritual influences.

A curandera and mentor to Antonio, who uses herbal remedies and magic, offering guidance and a broader perspective on spirituality and life’s cycle.

Antonio's father, a former vaquero with dreams of moving to California, who encourages Antonio to choose his own path despite their familial conflicts.

Antonio’s mother, a devout Catholic from a farming family, who dreams of him becoming a priest and grapples with her concerns about his maturation.

The primary antagonist, whose daughters practice witchcraft, leading him to seek revenge against Ultima and Antonio.

Antonio's three brothers who return from WWII, yearning for independence, which influences Antonio's understanding of manhood and family expectations.

Antonio’s friend who is an atheist due to his tragic life experiences, challenging Antonio’s views on faith and religion.

Book Details
Pages

262

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New Mexico • 1940s

Publication Year

1972

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

840L

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