The story behind the story is almost as exiciting as the novel itself.
The University of New Mexico Press recently published the novel, "La Mollie and the King of Tears" by Arturo Islas (c1996, UNM Press, 208 pages, $18.95 paperback, ISBN: 0-8263-1732-4).
The novel is being released five years after its author - Arturo Islas - died from AIDS.
Arturo Islas is best known for his first two books, - "The Rain God" and "Migrant Souls" - which provide serious looks at the life of migrant farm workers.
Arturo Islas books have recently been reissued in paperback format. With the resurgence of interest in Chicano literature, those two titles have discovered homes in many public and school libraries.
Now comes "La Mollie and the King of Tears."
Before I get into the story, let me fill you in on the story behind the story.
It seems Arturo Islas accepted a teaching stint at the University of Texas at El Paso back in 1986. He taught creative writing.
His challenge to his students was to develop a character totally unlike anything they had ever written before. Use a different character, in a different setting and a different plot. Just push yourself to do something you have never done before.
Sounds like a fascinating idea.
Except that in this case Arturo Islas opted to take on the same assignment he had given his students.
And from that arose the character of Louie Mendoza, a jazz musician who likes, I mean, loves to talk and talk and talk.
The character shocked Arturo Islas.
The storyline shocked Arturo Islas.
Arturo Islas did not know where this character had come from. He couldn't understand why or how he could create such a witty, strange character and have such an easy time developing a novel around him.
The character and storyline are very different from anything Islas had written previously.
Yes, it did meet his writing assisgnment.
But ... It was still a shocker.
Consider:
In 1973 Louie Mendoza is dating La Mollie, who is scared that the world is going to end because the comet Kahoutek is coming. Mendoza takes the news in stride and focuses his efforts on staying happy with La Mollie.
The storyline sounds simple enough. But it isn't that simple.
The story opens with Louie Mendoza sitting on a table at San Francisco General Hospital with a focused worry about La Mollie. Here he is nursing a broken leg, but his thoughts are elsewhere with Mollie.
Because Louie Mendoza likes to talk and talk, you soon discover his roots, his history, his loves and his regrets.
There are some astounding descriptions of El Paso, Texas, of California, of his past loves.
Arturo Islas provides a stunning novel rich with description and storyline deserving of much attention.
Arturo Islas gives us a character who is tough and tender, caring and loving, yet witty and dependable.
He has been shot, but that story unveils later. It is his love for this woman - this Mollie - that keeps the novel moving and the storyline alive and fresh.
Arturo Islas may not be here to enjoy the success of his latest novel - but many readers can share in the love and joy that accompany "La Molie and the King of Tears."
Information:
Ruben Sosa Villegas
Rocky Mountain News
400 West Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 892-5431
Fax: (303) 892-2602
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