Big Books of 2026
Bless Me, Ultima

Questions About Bless Me, Ultima

by Rudolfo Anaya

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Answered Questions (5)

why is hella long?
Tracy At our house, we see long books as a good thing - if the story is great, you don't want it to end. It'd like a tv show with 1 hour episodes versus 1/2…moreAt our house, we see long books as a good thing - if the story is great, you don't want it to end. It'd like a tv show with 1 hour episodes versus 1/2 hour episodes. If you love the show - you want the whole hour. So in reality - longer books give you more time to live in the world the author is creating for you. Escape to this other world and enjoy the experience. And if you are not sure what to read next - this is a great place to ask! Tell us what you enjoy and we will give you suggestions. Good books are one of life's greatest gifts.(less)
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does this book have a mysterious story behind it ?
Eliza Pitter While not mysterious, I believe Bless Me, Ultima does have an interesting origin story. According to a Nobel Speech made by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (an…moreWhile not mysterious, I believe Bless Me, Ultima does have an interesting origin story. According to a Nobel Speech made by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (an author and lover of magical realism), magical realism's roots in Latin America was brought about through tales filled with originality used as a coping mechanism by the oppressed Latin American people during European colonization.

Long story short: Anaya likely wrote in this genre to embrace his hispanic heritage.
(Magical realism = use of magical elements considered normal in the work.)(less)
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what are the critical points of the book?
Carol Rahn
This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)
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I actually have 2 question, but for the sake of less notifications I'm putting them in one comment. 1. Was Ultima Catholic? 2. Maybe it's because I read an online version, but I noticed instead of periods some sentences end in -. Is there a reason for this?
JM Avila She was definitely a Catholic. Because of her talents as curandera she is ostracized but yet the people still believe in her. In popular belief going …moreShe was definitely a Catholic. Because of her talents as curandera she is ostracized but yet the people still believe in her. In popular belief going back to the middle ages witches are evil and must be persecuted (remember Salem?). So Ultima cannot practice as a Catholic.(less)
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What position did Anthony choose?
Tony V You have to read the passage where Ultima Blesses Tony; for me it seemed liked he embraced both paths. To me he choose to me somewhat of a healer lik…more You have to read the passage where Ultima Blesses Tony; for me it seemed liked he embraced both paths. To me he choose to me somewhat of a healer like Ultima, and integrated the Catholism from his Mom and the free spirit of his Dad.(less)
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Unanswered Questions (2)

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