The Prince of Los Cocuyos: A Miami Childhood

Blanco’s memoir traces the process by which he finally learns to reconcile his American and Cuban identities. Growing up in America, with no memories of Cuba, he struggles to connect with his Cuban heritage, despite his family’s determination to continue Cuban customs and the stories they tell of their homeland. Blanco experiences flashes of connection at times but often feels lost, not quite Cuban and not quite American. The end of the memoir suggests that, as he grows into adulthood, he comes to be at peace with his blended identities and celebrates his Cuban background.

Blanco and Caco are embarrassed by their parents’ conspicuousness; they walk ahead of them at Disney World, wishing to avoid being associated with the Cuban food and cooking appliances on the luggage cart. Blanco yearns to shop at Winn-Dixie, what he sees as a typical American store selling cereal boxes with cartoons on the front and Swanson TV dinners. Blanco tells Yetta that sometimes he “hate[s] being Cuban—like when [his]my parents do tacky things or can’t understand what [he’s]I’m saying in English” (145). Blanco also strives to belong in America and to have American experiences.