Describe Books Toward Tortuga

Original Title:	Tortuga: A Novel
ISBN:	0826336248 (ISBN13: 9780826336248)
Edition Language:	English
Literary Awards:	American Book Award (1980)

Tortuga Paperback | Pages: 206 pages

Be Specific About Out Of Books Tortuga

Title	:	Tortuga
Author	:	Rudolfo Anaya
Book Format	:	Paperback
Book Edition	:	Deluxe Edition
Pages	:	Pages: 206 pages
Published	:	August 30th 2004 by University of New Mexico Press (first published 1979)
Categories	:	Fiction. Literature. Magical Realism. Literary Fiction. Novels

Explanation Conducive To Books Tortuga

Rudolfo Anaya's personal journey to Tortuga began one desert-hot day when, as an adolescent, he and some friends were swimming in irrigation ditches. He dove in, sustaining an injury that put him in the hospital for an arduous period of time.

Tortuga is set in a hospital for crippled children and is based on Anaya's swimming accident. He explores the significance of pain and suffering in a young boy's life and the importance of spiritual recovery as well as medical. Tortuga, or Turtle, is the name of the oddly shaped mountain near the hospital, but "Tortuga" also points toward the rigid cast that encases the young hero's body.

In celebration of the twenty-five years since the first edition of Tortuga was published, Rudolfo Anaya has provided an Afterword to share his memories of those days in the hospital and how they impacted the remainder of his life.

Rating Out Of Books Tortuga

Ratings: 3.92 From 490 Users | 43 Reviews

Criticism Out Of Books Tortuga

I read this primarily for the historical perspective about Carrie Tingley Hospital upon which it's based. It's a good book if you're looking for something that questions why we suffer and go through painful experiences. I recommend reading the "Afterword" first (it was written 25 years after the book was published).

While the prose was very beautiful at times, this book just didn't do it for me. Perhaps, at another point in my reading journey, I will re-visit it. I suspect that there is great depth and symbolism in this novel, but as we're nearing the end of summer on the SE NC coast, I just wasn't in a frame of mind to"work" for me reading pleasure. I know that must sound very low brow, but that's where I'm at with it today.

Beautiful soulful book which writes of hope and spirit found in the midst of sickness and despair. A metaphorical account of beauty found in the desert.

I am only giving this book 3 stars instead of 2 because some of the writing style and prose was beautiful. Otherwise it would have been 2 stars. I did not really enjoy the book. The story was too dark and the back and forth between dreams and reality were confusing to me. Some of the dreams were more like nonsensical ranting rather than a meaningful message. I also did not enjoy the crude banter between the patients or the crude way the hospital staff at times interacted. I could say a lot more

Poignant...really makes you think. This book makes you cry and laugh in the same paragraph. Descriptive...helps you appreciate all of your blessings...the strength of the tortuga!

A time in an adolescent center for an injured 16 year old-- about overcoming limitations.

Really beautifully written. Not easily digestible and quite drawn out for the point (philosophical or otherwise), but enjoyable throughout.