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48 pages 1 hour read

Silent Dancing: A Partial Remembrance Of A Puerto Rican Childhood

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1990

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Book Brief

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Judith Ortiz Cofer

Silent Dancing: A Partial Remembrance Of A Puerto Rican Childhood

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1990
Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Paterson, New Jersey • 1950s

Publication Year

1990

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

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Super Short Summary

Silent Dancing: A Partial Remembrance Of A Puerto Rican Childhood by Judith Ortiz Cofer interweaves essays and poems to depict Cofer's experiences growing up between Puerto Rico and Paterson, New Jersey, influenced by her grandmother's storytelling and navigating cultural identities, familial dynamics, gender expectations, and the contrast between Puerto Rican and American societies. The book addresses themes of sexual violence and gender discrimination.

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

526 ratings

65%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Judith Ortiz Cofer's Silent Dancing: A Partial Remembrance Of A Puerto Rican Childhood offers a poetic and poignant reflection on a bicultural upbringing. Reviewers praise its lyrical prose and vivid imagery, capturing cultural identity and nostalgia. Some note occasional uneven pacing, but overall, it is a compelling exploration of heritage and memory.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Silent Dancing: A Partial Remembrance Of A Puerto Rican Childhood?

Readers who appreciate reflective memoirs about cultural identity, family dynamics, and childhood memories will enjoy Silent Dancing: A Partial Remembrance Of A Puerto Rican Childhood by Judith Ortiz Cofer. It's ideal for fans of Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street or Esmeralda Santiago's When I Was Puerto Rican.

4.1

526 ratings

65%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Judith Ortiz Cofer

The main character and author, who reflects on her bicultural upbringing and experiences of dislocation and displacement between Puerto Rico and Paterson, New Jersey. Her narrative weaves themes of identity, bilingualism, and cultural roles, influenced by her family and surroundings.

Judith's grandmother and a strong matriarchal figure in her life, residing in Puerto Rico. Known for her powerful storytelling and living by her own rules, Mamá imparts wisdom through traditional cuentos that significantly influence Judith's understanding of stories.

Mamá's husband and Judith's grandfather, described as a gentle man who writes poetry and engages in spiritism. He quietly supports others, offering healing and comfort as a community spiritist.

Judith's mother, who maintains strong ties to Puerto Rico and struggles with assimilation into US culture. Her resistance to cultural change and her efforts to recreate a Puerto Rican environment in Paterson deeply affect Judith's experience of cultural duality.

Judith's father, who serves in the US military and is seldom present in her life. His desire to leave Puerto Rico behind and fully embrace US culture contrasts with her mother's attitudes, contributing to Judith's complex sense of cultural identity.

Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Paterson, New Jersey • 1950s

Publication Year

1990

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

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