The Holy Tortilla and a Pot of Beans

Overview

As a helping of “down-home magical realism,” this collection of 16 short stories explores the human spirit inherent in the bilingual, bicultural world of the Texas-Mexico border. With a fresh sense of humor and human understanding, these stories skillfully bridge the gap between miracles and tragedies, prejudice and transcendence, and oppression and liberation. From the comical exploration of the hypocrisy expressed at funerals to the spiritual mission of a magical tortilla, the collection draws upon a wide range of emotions but comes together in a singular, powerful voice that reflects the holiness found in everyday life.

Reviews

"Wit, wisdom, and hope." —School Library Journal

"A manifesto every bit as provocative as Langston Hughes' bold proclamation of the 1920s and a must for anyone interested in Chicano literature, the minority experience, or the voice of humanity." —Dr. Ernesto Padilla, publisher, Lalo Press

"Tafolla is fearless as she describes the landscape of a Latina living in the best and worst of times. We need the sound of her voice in our individual lives and our collective struggles." —Demetria Martinez, author, Mother Tongue

Author Biography

Carmen Tafolla is a writer, speaker, and actress whose work has appeared in more than 200 anthologies. She is the winner of the 1999 Art of Peace award for writing that furthers peace, justice, and human understanding. She lives in San Antonio, Texas.