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What Night Brings

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003

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Book Brief

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Carla Trujillo

What Night Brings

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

242

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California • 1960s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In What Night Brings by Carla Trujillo, 11-year-old Marcía Cruz grapples with her sexual orientation and domestic abuse in a 1960s town outside San Francisco, amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War and a crisis of faith in America.

Emotional

Dark

Challenging

Contemplative

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.4

829 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Carla Trujillo's What Night Brings is praised for its authentic portrayal of a young girl's struggle with identity, sexuality, and familial conflict in a Chicano community. Trujillo's narrative voice is lauded, though some critics note a predictable plot and occasional pacing issues. Overall, the novel is regarded as a compelling and poignant exploration of adolescence and cultural heritage.

Who should read this

Who Should Read What Night Brings?

A reader who would enjoy What Night Brings by Carla Trujillo is likely interested in coming-of-age stories with a strong cultural backdrop and themes of identity and self-discovery. Fans of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros or Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya will find this book compelling.

4.4

829 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Marciá Cruz

The young protagonist and narrator of the story, Marci is depicted at the start as an 11-year-old grappling with her passive nature and starting to develop her own sense of agency. Her journey involves navigating complex family dynamics and her own internal struggles.

Marci's father and primary antagonist, Eddie is portrayed as a physically abusive man whose violence is a central obstacle in Marci's life. His interactions with his family are marked by intimidation and volatility.

Marci's mother, characterized by her emotional distance and passivity within the family. Delia's complex relationship with Eddie and her daughters contributes significantly to the family's dynamic and Marci's development.

Marci’s younger sister, who is depicted as both stoic and wise for her age. Corin maintains a difficult relationship with Eddie and shows resilience amid the family's struggles.

A figure in the family who serves as a role model for masculinity for Delia, yet whose own personal struggles impact his ability to aid Marci and Corin effectively.

A character who challenges gender norms through his behavior, Randy is a peer of Marci's who embodies a more feminine presentation and has a close relationship with his mother.

Marci’s maternal grandmother, presented as a source of strength and support in Marci's life. Flor provides the tools and motivation for Marci to pursue her own path.

Book Details
Pages

242

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California • 1960s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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