cover image Anthropologies: A Family Memoir

Anthropologies: A Family Memoir

Beth Alvarado. %C2%A0Univ. of Iowa, $19.95 trade paper (202p) ISBN 978-1-60938-037-3

Sparked by her mother's deterioration into old age, Alvarado (Not a Matter of Love) has written a three-part memoir about her family life that approaches prose poetry. It is searing at moments, especially when she discusses her life as a junkie, but the narrative then becomes dreamy, even vague. Despite the loose structure%E2%80%94not even chronological order is respected%E2%80%94vivid portraits of her parents, children, in-laws, and especially, her husband ring true and sharp. A section focusing on her leaving her white, suburban upbringing to marry her Mexican husband and move into the home of his immigrant parents is particularly striking. Coming from a university press, this book risks being overlooked. However, readers should seek it out for Alvarado's distinctive and compelling writing. (Sept.)