Helena María Viramontes

Helena María Viramontes is an acclaimed American author known for her insightful portrayal of life in the Mexican-American communities of Southern California. Her work often focuses on themes of social injustice, feminism, and the struggles of the working class. Viramontes has received numerous awards for her writing, which includes novels such as 'Their Dogs Came with Them' and 'Under the Feet of Jesus', as well as several short story collections.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Under The Feet Of Jesus

    This novel is a poignant tale that centers around the life of a young Chicana girl, Estrella, and her migrant family as they navigate the hardships and injustices faced by farm workers in the United States. Set against the backdrop of the California grape fields, the narrative delves into themes of identity, resilience, and the quest for dignity amidst exploitation. Through lyrical prose, the story explores the family's struggles with poverty, labor exploitation, and the constant threat of deportation, while also highlighting their unwavering hope, love, and the strength found in their cultural heritage and community bonds. The title symbolizes both the burden of their toil and the spiritual grounding that sustains them.

    The 6554th Greatest Book of All Time