Introduction to Latina/o Literature

The topic of Latino/a Literature is not as easily identifiable as it may seem. The definition itself of Latino can change depending on who you are talking to—so, what do we mean in this case, and what will this book explore? In this latest addition to the Routledge Studies in American Literature series, Frederick Luis Aldama, shows the rich, evolving tapestry that makes up "Latino/a literature" across time as well as geographical and institutional spaces, touching on fundamental backdrops like political issues surrounding migration/immigration to the US as well as Central American, South American, and Caribbean political, social and cultural influences that have each added considerable depth, contrast, and variation to the tapestry. This impressive and increasingly influential body of literature that continues to transform the US in countless ways has been underrepresented in the academic community. With the majority minority of the country quickly becoming the majority in some states, Latino/a literature needs more to be given more attention which is exactly what Aldama brilliantly achieves with this new study that covers well know and lesser known works by Latino/a writes of the last few centuries and gives context to the times and environment in which they were written. Offering readers an exceptionally comprehensive review of this vital and under-explored subject, Aldama’s Introduction to Latino/a Literature promises to be an indispensable text.