Puerto Rican fiction is rich and diverse. It often reflects the unique cultural blend of Puerto Rico, which is a mix of Taíno, Spanish, and African influences. Many Puerto Rican novels and short stories deal with themes like identity, family, and the relationship between the island and the mainland United States. Writers such as Esmeralda Santiago have gained international recognition with their works that explore the Puerto Rican experience in a vivid and engaging way.
One major difference is the pace of life. In Puerto Rico, life is more laid - back compared to the hustle and bustle of New York. Also, the architecture is different. In Puerto Rico, you have more colorful and traditional buildings, while New York is full of skyscrapers. And the social interactions vary. Puerto Ricans tend to be more family - centered and have closer - knit communities, while in New York, it can be more individualistic in some aspects.
Well, being a Puerto Rican in New York can be both exciting and challenging. There's a unique cultural blend here. The food, for example, is a great mix. You can find traditional Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo in some local restaurants. And the music, like salsa, is everywhere. It makes you feel at home in a way, but also sometimes you face the struggle of adapting to the fast - paced New York life while still holding onto your Puerto Rican roots.
Puerto Rican culture has a huge influence on its fiction. The vibrant music, like salsa and bomba, often finds its way into the stories, either as a backdrop or as a symbol of the characters' lives. The strong family values in Puerto Rican culture are also a common theme. Characters' relationships with their extended families are often explored in detail, showing how family support or family disputes can shape a person's life.
The 'The House on the Lagoon' in Puerto Rican novels is probably a notable creation that showcases Puerto Rican stories. It might use the setting of the house on the lagoon to create a vivid backdrop for the narrative. This could involve depicting the beauty of the lagoon, the local flora and fauna, and how they are intertwined with the lives of the characters. It may also deal with the complex relationships among the characters, which could be influenced by their Puerto Rican heritage, such as family hierarchies and social norms.
They often feature local elements like the unique animals in Puerto Rico such as the coqui. The stories also tend to have a strong sense of family and community values. For example, many stories show how neighbors help each other in difficult times.
One of the best Puerto Rican novels is 'The House on the Lagoon' by Rosario Ferré. It delves into themes of family, race, and Puerto Rican identity through the story of a couple. Another great one is 'When I Was Puerto Rican' by Esmeralda Santiago. It's an autobiographical novel that gives a vivid picture of growing up Puerto Rican in the United States and on the island. Also, 'Down These Mean Streets' by Piri Thomas is often considered a classic. It's a semi - autobiographical account of a Puerto Rican - African American man's experiences in Harlem.
Common themes in Puerto Rican short stories include the sea. Given Puerto Rico's geographical location, the sea is often a significant element, representing both opportunity and danger. Love is also a prevalent theme. It could be romantic love, or the love within a family or community. For example, a story might depict a young couple falling in love against the backdrop of the Puerto Rican coast, with the crashing waves and warm sun adding to the romantic atmosphere.
There is also the story of 'Juan Bobo'. Juan Bobo is a kind - hearted but simple - minded character. His adventures teach children about kindness, helping others, and sometimes the consequences of not thinking things through. For example, in one story, he tries to do a good deed but ends up making a bit of a mess, but through it all, his good heart shines.
The novel offers a vivid account of the author's experiences growing up in Puerto Rico and her subsequent journey. It delves into themes of identity, family, and cultural adaptation.