Book Analysis of Farmworker's Daughter
Review of Rose Castillo Guilbault’s Memoir
Most readers are not familiar with Rosela’s story, as she tells her life beginning in Mexico and moving to California with her mother at age 5. However, the tale of lost identity in a foreign land, and coming of age is that of a familiar one. Growing up in the 60’s, Guilbault struggles with identity and cultural differences to become what she is today- a renowned journalist and vice president to corporate affairs of AAA.
Rosela’s Coming of Age
One of the main themes in Guilbault’s book is that of coming of age. Rosela struggles to fit in with her blond friends at school and she has trouble seeing herself as beautiful because she is different. Her story is written in the 1960’s when it was even harder to fit in as an immigrant in America and several times Rosela wishes she was not who she is.
However, these thoughts are normal for a teenager. Almost every female teenager wishes she were prettier, smarter, skinnier, etc. Rosela’s struggle with her coming of age is, indeed, unique. However, it is also familiar and this is why it appeals to so many people. Most people, at one time or another, feel lost in a big world, confused about which path to take, struggling to fit in and decide which journey is right for them. Guilbault tells her story from the heart and what ensues is a powerful and poignant account of her life.
The Struggle for Cultural Identity
Throughout the novel Rosela has trouble determining what she is. Although Mexico will remain her identity throughout the journey she is constantly in conflict with this identity. Rosela has trouble understanding the American culture of Barbie Dolls and cupcakes which is made clear during her recounts of school.
Rosela’s mother is obviously struck with cultural loss as well and, while Rosela struggles through high school prejudices, her mother struggles with raising a daughter and making her dreams come true. Although home is where the heart is, the struggle to find ones home can take a lifetime to find. Rosela’s memoir demonstrates this point.
The American Dream, Revisited
Without a dream, there is no point to life, and throughout the novel Rosela and her mother are trying to reach this dream. For Rosela’s mother, this is to purchase her own home. For Rosela, this is to perfect her English and change her identity to something other than just a ‘Farmworker’s daughter.’ Both women struggle through a lot of hardship to get where they are. Rosela makes mistakes along the way and has her ups and downs, which is why she is such a relatable character. She is nowhere near perfect and her constant struggles against bicultural prejudice and internal loss further demonstrates how she is a relatable and likeable character.
Guilbault’s writing flows easily and she pours her heart and her soul into every page. There is a person behind the ink and this shines through with every account. Rosela’s memoir gives a voice to the Mexican immigrant. It looks at the typical American Dream from a different point of view. Rosela and her mother may not have had the dream of wealth, fortune and fame; however, their smaller dream of a house and a college education is just as powerful.
Works Cited:
Guilbault, Rose Castillo. Farmworker’s Daughter: Growing up Mexican in America. Heyday Books: California, 2005.
Finding Identity off the Farm
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