This novel is structured as a series of stories, each giving voice to someone who has come in contact with Yolanda over the years. Each chapter/story has Yo as a common thread. Alvarez seems to look at the complexity of family relationships and the ways in which we live and are seen by others, especially how our actions are read vs our intentions.
1. Find examples of the following themes and write about them. If you use one or two stories for each that would be good.
1) truth
2) identity
3) the differences of cultural practices regarding women between the US and the Dominican Republic.
For example, in which story or stories does truth play an important role? Describe how In which story (stories) does identity play an important role? Describe how In which story (stories) are the differences of cultural practices regarding women in the US and the Dominican Republic highlighted and in what ways?