Luz Ramirez:
Ray Gonzalez of The Nation (June 3 1993) reviews Ana Castillo's So Far From God as a novel of "reckless fantasies" which will "get attention due to the promotional resources of its publisher, W.W. Norton. It will disappoint those who shake their heads every time a writer falls back on romanticizing the best and worst of his or her culture in the name of "ethnicity." Castillo's novel takes on too much. It is full of stories told by too many characters who fade in and out of the vague plot. Predictable figures like mother Sofia and her daughters Fe, Esperanza, Caridad and Loca are too "ethnic" for their lives to be believable, even in the supernatural world Castillo sets in New Mexico. There are too many earlier works of fiction that deal successfully with miracles, suffering Catholic women and the clash between Mexicans and Anglos. A novel like So Far From God may represent the unfortunate side of the triumph of multiculturalism: One of the dangers today is that glamorous, high-powered agents and publishers place pressure to produce on minority writers who may not be quite ready. New York wants the Chicana novel so bad it hurts."

Oye, what do you think of Gonzalez's assessment?

Catherine T. Chacon: That was a pretty harsh critique, not to mention way off. I got the impression that Gonzalez's only goal while reading was to compare Castillo's book to everything else he has ever read. Didn't really give it a chance.

Gabriel Herrera: any novel will of course be molded by its author which is molded by his or her own circumstances-- in this case, Castillo is a Chicana, but I have to somewhat agree with Gonzalez, maybe not entirely in this particular context, but some writers do focus too much on ethnicity and not enough on the essence of a novel--to tell a story.

Sylvia De Leon: So what if there are a bunch of reckless fantasies. I think that real life is full of reckless fantasies. Besides I don't think that Ana Castillo meant for everything to be taken literally. I think she uses exaggerations and other crazy far fetched ideas to get her ideas across. I think she did it very well in fact. This guy seems to not like the novel because he is too stuck on the boring ideas that people tend to think life is about.

Sylvia De Leon: Maybe her goal was to focus entirely on ethnicity.

Cynthia Dacarett: I think Gonzalez's assessment of the novel is wrong. Personally, I thought the novel was very interesting and challenging at the same time and I don't think he really gave it a chance.

Sylvia De Leon: That is the thing about literature, not everybody is going to like a piece of work. So what?

Catherine T. Chacon: I don't think the book is meant to be realistic all around. In fact part of the challenge of this novel is to sort out what could be real and what is not. Which by the way, could be different for each individual, and the outlook on life.

Catherine T. Chacon: good point Sylvia.

Catherine T. Chacon: I guess everyone is entitled to an opinion, que no?

Luz Ramirez: Sylvia, what are some of the "boring ideas" that people think life is about?

Adriana Olivares: What about Gonzalez's opinion that the characters are too "ethnic to be believable"? Can someone be too ethnic?

Cynthia Dacarett: This novel was full of fantasies and magical realism, but this is what gave this novel its character and made it interesting. I don't think that all the novels should follow the same norms because than we would have too much of a good thing.

Bryan Rubio: I agree with Gabriel. a novel is written to entertain, enlighten, or open he reader to new experiences while some authors play up the point of minorities, even so much as to interrupt the flow of a novel, I do not think that is what happen here The critic seemed a little on edge maybe he should smoke some peyote?

Marilu Vargas: Maybe Castillo wanted for her novel to be entirely on ethnicity, besides everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Maricela Rojas: Ana Castillo's novel is one of the funniest I've read in a long time. And if the critic doesn't see that, then he just doesn't get it. maybe I'm one of those people that are too ethnic.

Claudia Castro: I for one feel that Ana Castillo did a fine job of representing the "ETHNIC" side regardless if that was her intent.. couldn't she just have been writing a novel based on all these mini-stories just CUZ... and besides this critic needs to get over his trip on ethnicity and take the book for what it TRULY is... about the exaggerations of life....Don't lie...admit it...we ALLL exaggerate from time to time, I think it is an innate part of us....that is the LATINO, I guess in each one!

Gabriel Herrera: perhaps her goal was to focus entirely on ethnicity, but I think that when you write in a certain genre, you should stick to it. anything superfluous should be found in the context of the story, not the other way around. I think it's great that the writers roots can shine through-- that's my whole point-- they should be discernible through your work. BUT what makes you shouldn't dictate your writing. the beauty of writing is the limitless creativity.

Tommy Tijerina: His view of the book is very demanding and critical. He puts down the book by not looking into what she has to offer. Writers write about what they know and have experienced. In some cases she uses the extreme to make her points, to grab the reader. If she wrote another boring book with literal translation then what is the purpose of writing something in the first place. Writing is something only the writer has to offer not what the critics think it should be

Adriana Olivares: Gonzalez says that there are too many vague characters that tell their stories and fade in and out of the plot. But isn't that very true to life? Many people fill your days. Some you know better than others. You talk to them, and get to hear just a little about their impressions. Life isn't really about knowing people completely. That's impossible.

Sylvia De Leon: I think that writers who critique other writers the way that Gonzalez did too often think that literature is no good if it is based on the far fetched, and the crazy fantasies of life. they themselves might think that their like is not like that so they don't relate with it. They think that no one's life can be full of fantasies. Gonzalez seems to think that life can't be this mystical. He wants it to be factual and boring.

Luz Ramirez: If Castillo is just writing about ethnicity, what is her recipe for it?

Catherine T. Chacon: Can someone be too ethnic? I certainly hope not. Varied ethnicities is what brings beauty to this world. And to say that someone is "too ethnic" implies that that person should tone it down a little. isn't that a little like conformity?? Personally, the thought scares me!!

Claudia Castro: The combination of all the theories, experiences-good and bad, funny and boring...of life, but most especially of her own heritage

Alejandro Meza: it seems that Gonzalez is not in touch with his roots and doesn't really understand what's going on in the novel with respects to the Chicano/a culture

Bryan Rubio: the thing is ,the novel isn't to that extent about ethnicity Castillo used humorous dialogue and story telling to entertain us I don't know if she sat there hoping to teach us major lessons maybe just to give us a little insight about the Chicana life hell how many people would read a Chicana book if it didn't blow your mind out of the water the first few pages. or maybe I need a little peyote

Claudia Castro: I hear you Brian...and I think that is what makes this novel Fascinating...and many of the others we have read

Adriana Olivares: The way Gonzalez uses the phrase "too ethnic" makes "ethnic" seem derogatory. Someone is "too" dumb, or "too" lazy. Does Gonzalez have a problem here?

Glenna Gasser: I think Gonzalez is resistant to listening to someone very different from himself. He decided what is part of his community and who isn't, and I think he's writing from that place. It is damaging to any community to decide who belongs to it and who doesn't, whose views, art, and lifestyle should be represented. I don't know anything about Gonzalez, but he seems to be a little confused by summing up the novel with "suffering Catholic women" I don't think that's what the novel is about at all. It's about strong women, who are creating and living fully, even though there is a tremendous amount of hardship in the book. It's about women stronger than reality- who can heal, see clearly, don't accept some creepy guy stalking them, loving one another-as sisters, daughters, and lesbians- it's about women who live in a really random world, yet they do their best to take control of their lives. I would guess that Gonzalez was lost in this representation of women, and was uncomfortable with it.

Catherine T. Chacon: maybe Gonzalez is "TOO wrapped up in himself"

Cynthia Dacarett: I think that Castillo's recipe is a good one for she keeps you on your toes and at the same time is using humor and magical realism. By incorporating several characters in the novel that may seem to out of this world she gave the novel that special seasoning.

Glenna Gasser: I agree with Adriana

Ricardo De La Fuente: Personally I think this novel was very interesting because of the characters that make the story different. This novel is written mainly to entertain its audience and to makes us distinguish what could be real and what is not?

Luz Ramirez: Bryan, your question about who would read a Chicana novel is really important. Gonzalez tells us, after all, that Castillo IS being read because of her publisher-- Norton. Norton, as you know, publishes the Norton Anthology and in many ways influences who will get canonized. Do Chicana novelists have to prove themselves before they get taught?

Claudia Castro: Adriana...I don't think Gonzalez has a problem, I just think that the guy is just to caught up in criticism to take the novel for what it is...a part of life ....maybe he just has his nose in books all the time and doesn't get to experience what actually occurs in the book...I think that is what makes this novel so funny that at times we relate to it...like "yeh, my sister is weird like that too!"...etc. I just think he needs to understand before he critiques!!!

Maricela Rojas: I think that the fact that the characters do fade in and out and that they're vague adds to the story. It sort of takes you on an adventure that you may or may not relate to, but it keeps you interested in trying to figure out what's going on. Castillo's recipe may be that one should use their own experiences, whether they be Chicana, Cubana, Mexicana (or their male counterparts). One's unique life experiences molds their individual ethnicities. What does someone from a mixed background claim to be? To get a better idea, one should read some of their works. In this case, Castillo is a Chicana who grew up in a very tumultuous eras for Latinas, in addition to hanging on to her Mexican "roots".

Tommy Tijerina: Go Claudia!!!

Gabriel Herrera: i think it's really unfair to judge gonzalez through one book critique that he wrote. he only did what Castillo wanted him to do--read the book and view it in his own unique way. exactly what everyone of us did. just because he doesn't see it the way others do doesn't guarantee that he is confused or anything else. I'm picking up intonations of "sell-out" which is totally unfair and rash

Marilu Vargas: Writing a novel as Ana Castillo did, keeps a reader entertained as well as "stuck" to it. With her funny stories, she brightens up the novel, making it humorous and fun to read. Why would someone want to read a novel in which they knew the sequence of events?

Lisa Billalobos: Gonzalez's assessment is way off. Ana's book was great. I could relate her characters and situations to some people I know with "reckless fantasies." The stories with La Llorona and malogra are so funny to me because I always hear about stuff like that in the Chicano of my hometown. The book was funny and realistic in its own somewhat exaggerated way!

Catherine T. Chacon: i suppose a Chicana writer has to prove her writing ability the same way she has to prove herself in just about any other profession in this country! what do you think?

David Ramos: Ricardo, maybe that is what the author is trying to do. Make you distinguish between what is real and what is not. It all depends on how you see it.

Glenna Gasser: In response to Ms. Ramirez's comment about Chicana writers having to prove themselves before they get taught, it is especially amazing that a Chicana lesbian is being taught. You all know that Ana Castillo is openly gay, right? From what I hear, her work is taught a lot at this school.

Luz Ramirez: I probably should have given you more background on Gonzalez-- he is a Chicano poet and editor and he just won an American Book Award by the Before Columbus Foundation for his anthologies-- *Latino Poets of the nineties and *Mirrors Beneath the Earth: Short Fiction by Chicano Writers*. He also wrote *Minority Fever: A Journey Beyond El Paso del Norte*(Essays).

Alejandro Meza: i agree with Claudia, the man probably read so many books before So Far..... that he just neglected to set the book apart from the rest. he did not take into account of this book's uniqueness and universality that enables us to relate to that way of life the characters lead

Maricela Rojas: Chicana novelists are in a unique situation since they have to "compete" with Chicano writers and their view on the culture. Personally, i think men and women's views are very different in any culture. And those views are going to clash, especially when authors are trying to "define" it to those who are not in their culture. Maybe that's what happen in Gonzalez's/Castillo's case.

Ricardo De La Fuente: Having a Fantasy is the ideal dream for any human being. It brightens up life and gives life an important meaning to it. In my opinion it is what keeps people out of the routine.

Gabriel Herrera: who cares if she's gay! I'm sick and tired of everybody and their dog ranting and raving about gays. IT WOULDN'T BE SUCH A BIG DEAL IF PEOPLE DIDN'T MAKE IT ONE! so she's gay--so what?

Lisa Billalobos: Castillo's recipe is to touch and make alive the ethnicity that everyone has. She certainly touched mine.

Claudia Castro: Hey Gabriel, I not saying the guy is a sell out but where Gonzalez failed to mention any good things about the novel... the reason his credibility is trash with us is because he never gives us (as critiques as well) to identify with his views... it goes back to ENG306, when they tell you how to write a good critique and sound credible, but at the same time giving insight on one's own theories...... he just could have pointed out some qualities about her writing that are unlike others.....that's all I ask

David Ramos: From the Gonzalez's background maybe the guy just didn't think it was important to publish something such as these far fetched fantasies. Maybe he wants to read works which will promote the good of the Chicano/a.Gonzalez maybe feels that there is no use for this type of writing style.

Bryan Rubio: i always follow a general rule do not judge others, unless you're prepared to judge yourself when critiquing writing, i don't know if its just me or what but when someone tries in an effort both exceptionally written (to fit mood) and humorous to tell a story i don't care if its wrong about society, i don't care if it fits in with the social responsibilities of that race, i will never have the nerve to ballast someone's views i mean Ana Castillo has every right to say what she will of her condition I have seen the norton anthology and to some degree know the inner-workings of how people get published due to the fact that while there being a number of Chicano/a writers,there still are relatively few and all usually speak of the Chicano/a condition. And while norton does seek to capitalize from these writers-as is their every right as a business-they still need talent. That's what they saw in Ana Castillo's writings, or they would not have published her. I don't think that if any Chicano/a wrote a book such as Ana's that it would be recognized. People don't (usually) read things due to their ethnicity, if they do, that in itself is closed-minuends, but they do read what they find intriguing, well-written.

Lisa Billalobos: Who does this Gonzalez guy think he is? He must think that his ideas and opinions are the "norm" and what the whole world of literature and writing should be based on. I think he needs to go out and find his "ethnic" roots.

Gabriel Herrera: Claudia, i totally agree but you must remember, this critique was probably taken out of context and we don't get to see everything that he wrote.

Cynthia Dacarett: I think that if she is gay or not, that its not the issue. For years we have been reading novels from gay writers without knowing it. I think her work is good and should be criticized for its content, not because she is a women or because she is gay.

Maricela Rojas: Why do you think one's sexuality isn't important in how they view their life? Is it not a very personal matter that affects other aspects of one's society?

Catherine T. Chacon: I'd be interested in reading some of Gonzalez's work, just to compare the two and see if they are really that different. Are they?

Adriana Olivares: Maricela--I really dig your thoughts on the male vs. female ethnic experience. You're right, maybe Gonzalez had a harder time relating to the novel because that wasn't what he had experienced. Gabriel Garcia Marquez incorporates many of the same magical realism type of qualities, and gets critical acclaim (different author, I know, but just an example). So maybe that's one of the reasons why Gonzalez couldn't relate as much. Of course, I would hope that Gonzalez would still keep his ears open to be able to hear and appreciate other versions of an ethnic experience.

Glenna Gasser: It is important that gays are represented in art and culture that same way that it is important that Chicana/o s are represented. People used to say- who care if your roots are in Mexico, just hope you're white enough to pass, and no body will make a big deal out of it. It is a big deal, that same way that ethnicity, community, and history are a big deal. It is important that all people are represented and not marginalized by society, publishers, or the class room. And it is important that homophobes know that the book they read, the music they listened to, the movie they watched, the improvements they have experienced in the world, were made by someone that they hate out of fear and ignorance.

Claudia Castro: I have a totally absurd question that doesn't deal with Gonzalez, but does anyone know how La Loca got AIDS? Was she up to something we didn't know about?

Luz Ramirez: Gabriel, good point. Gonzalez's critique of Castillo is embedded within a larger review of Latino writers. His next discussion is about publishing presses. What precedes the quote I gave you is an introduction about what Latino writers are being read ( such as Sandra Cisneros, Oscar Hijuelos (Cuban-American mambo Kings* ) by a mainstream audience. So your point about context is well taken. Admittedly, I wanted a controversial opener for this interchange.

Miguel Angel Iniguez Jr.: i think gonzalez wrote the type of critique that catches everyone's attention, a negative one. he makes some valid arguments, however. the characters were somewhat predictable although the story was still entertaining.

Gabriel Herrera: is a gay man limited to writing gay stories? or is a lesbian's creativity bound by lesbianism? no. so people need to get off it. true, what you are will definitely be visible in your writing but, as i said earlier, what you are should not dictate what you write

Glenna Gasser: No it shouldn't, and that wasn't what I was saying

Luz Ramirez: Glenna, good point about gays. It's always a tricky issue in the classroom, though, because on one hand I think it is important we recognize the work of gays (most of the writers we have read, in fact, are or were gay!). On the other hand, I don't want people to be biased against them for being gay-- that sentiment is still with us, to some degree.

Maricela Rojas: I don't think what Ana Castillo wrote was "dictated" by she being gay. she wrote about her life and that includes being gay. it's part of her life and should not be ignored or surprised because people are tired of hearing about it. maybe there's someone out there who hasn't heard or read about a gay Chicana.

Glenna Gasser: Ya, bummer. That's why I brought it up after we had all finished the book, and people wrote about how they liked it. I didn't know myself, but it came up in another class of mine, and I thought it was a place recognition should be given.

Luz Ramirez: Claudia, I was wondering about the AIDs thing too. It's very puzzling to me since she never had contact with anyone. But Castillo seems to pick the most horrific deaths for her female characters to comment on a greater political or social problem.

Claudia Castro: That's sad that people would actually judge the context of Castillo's novel based on the fact if she were gay or not....Come on now who cares...if all we know they probably have more insight on THINGS then straight people do. . . in a sense....

Christine Ross: I think that the method of conception by La Loca of the AIDS virus was intentionally kept a secret. The event to me symbolized that even the amazing little girl who came back from the dead once was still destined to die. Everyone thought that she would be the everlasting child, but in the end her fate was just the same as that of her sisters. I don't know why she chose AIDS to be the disease that La Loca died of, other than to promote controversy over how she contracted the virus.

Bryan Rubio: i just can't wait until it's not like this anymore. where we have to talk about the still struggling races and sexes i cant wait to read a book that talks about the all encompassing human condition. but i probably won't and probably neither will my children, but while i am here on this already dying earth i m not going to sit and critique black, Mexican, or gay writings- they all have something to say, i am willing to hear it , but i am kind of tired of the hoopla every where i turn nowadays i see the cries of racism, sexism, homophobia I'm just saying i cant wait until it ends it kind of becomes mind numbing. what does everyone think about the cries of racism in the last couple weeks about the trials in the university paper?

Gabriel Herrera: my point is this; people should overlook the fact that an author is gay, because when you don't you just further classify them and only worsen the existing social malady of discrimination. read the story and like it--don't miss the point.

Lisa Billalobos: Miguel-- If Gonzalez wrote what catches everyone's attention, don't you think he's being a hypocrite?

Lisa Billalobos: Castillo's book was great, and easy to read and follow.

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