Mercedes Light and Dark
Mercedes Light and Dark by Michael Ugarte, published by Aka Yola on February 17, 2022, is a memoir that explores the life of Mercedes as she transitions from war-torn Spain to a new life in the United States. The narrative follows Mercedes, her husband Paco, and their son as they settle in New England, where Paco takes an academic position at Dartmouth. The book delves into Mercedes’ experiences of cultural integration and the complexities of her identity, reflecting on her past and the dilemmas she faces in her new environment.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of personal memoir intertwined with historical references to the Spanish Civil War and the literature of that era, which significantly influenced Mercedes’ life. Ugarte presents a thoughtful exploration of memory, revealing not only Mercedes as a woman and mother but also offering insights into his own journey to understand her and their shared history. This edition, comprising 220 pages, invites readers to engage with themes of family and relationships, as well as the intricate dynamics of personal and cultural identity.
Official synopsis Publisher
Mercedes Light and Dark is everything the title implies and more. Leaving war-torn Spain and her disapproving family behind her, Mercedes, her handsome husband Paco, and their first born son make their way to the United States to find a new lease on life. They settle in New England where Paco has accepted an academic position at Dartmouth, and Mercedes begins building an integrated life in her new adopted culture. But was it her new culture? Was she becoming integrated? “Could be true, but didn’t happen” is Mercedes’ favorite response to many of the dilemmas she faces and to which she must respond.
Many surprises await the reader in this memoir infused with historic reference to the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish literature of that period, and how all these influences shaped Mercedes’ life.
Michael Ugarte tells a well thought-out story after excavating the “truths” he is able to find, and from Memory, both his friend and betrayer. Of course, this reminiscence is not only focused on Mercedes-the woman and mother she was-but it also exposes her son, Michael through his cathartic journey to understand his mother, her past, and his own emotions about his life with her.
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