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Pasó por Aquí Series on the Nuevomexicano Literary Heritage
Romance of a Little Village Girl
Cleofas M. Jaramillo (1878-1956) grew up in northern New Mexico, and her memoir, originally published in 1955, offers a unique and engaging portrait of daily life and customs from the late nineteenth through the early twentieth century. The story of her life in a prominent family steeped in the traditions of Old Spain takes us into village life of a bygone period. Jaramillo's vivid recollection of a time when tradition clashed with modernization and New Mexican cultures nevertheless came together to form a richly diverse society makes her autobiography not only the story of one woman's life but of changing lifeways on the edge of a new era. Jaramillo narrates her life from girlhood through courtship and marriage, motherhood, and her later years in Santa Fe. Throughout we witness her enduring and indomitable spirit despite political upheaval, economic depression, and family tragedy. Jaramillo drew singular strength from her faith and her heritage. She discusses religion, politics, local customs, family, love, and more, recounting in unique detail customs associated with courtship, marriage, fiestas, and hospitality that are so much a part of Hispanic culture in New Mexico.
- GenresHistory
232 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 10, 2018
A wonderful memoir of life in New Mexico around the turn of the century, written by a first cousin of my great-great-great-grandmother who grew up in the same village as my grandmother: Arroyo Hondo in Taos County. Besides highlighting the Spanish lifestyle and traditions, the author shares details of her grandparents' lives (my ancestors) from first-hand accounts. What a treasure!
Although the narrative is told from the perspective of a wealthy upper class woman and occasionally reveals patronizing and racist attitudes towards native residents, it also reveals a woman who loves the land and the community, who rises to the challenge when faced with personal tragedy, who is willing to admit her faults, who works hard to preserve her heritage's fading history, and who never ceases to keep busy on productive endeavors. Towards these efforts, she also published a translation of Spanish fairy tales, a New Mexican cook book, and another book about life in the past before writing this memoir, as well as founding La Sociedad Folklorica to preserve New Mexico's heritage. This memoir traces her personal journey from childhood to near the end of her life, and her adventures both grand and tragic along the way.
The author closes the book with a fitting tribute: "I find that the many blessings which have been showered upon me during my long life outweigh all the ills and troubles, and that I have much for which to be thankful - for the interesting work which has filled my varied life, drowning all care; for the sincere friends which I have retained throughout my life...; for the happiness of my early life sheltered from all care by good parents; for good brothers and sister; for a loving husband and a dear daughter who cheered and encouraged me in my saddest moments; and, above all, for the gift of faith when later in life things changed for me. For all of this and much more, let my most grateful thanksgiving ascend to the throne of the Almighty God who orders all things well."
Although the narrative is told from the perspective of a wealthy upper class woman and occasionally reveals patronizing and racist attitudes towards native residents, it also reveals a woman who loves the land and the community, who rises to the challenge when faced with personal tragedy, who is willing to admit her faults, who works hard to preserve her heritage's fading history, and who never ceases to keep busy on productive endeavors. Towards these efforts, she also published a translation of Spanish fairy tales, a New Mexican cook book, and another book about life in the past before writing this memoir, as well as founding La Sociedad Folklorica to preserve New Mexico's heritage. This memoir traces her personal journey from childhood to near the end of her life, and her adventures both grand and tragic along the way.
The author closes the book with a fitting tribute: "I find that the many blessings which have been showered upon me during my long life outweigh all the ills and troubles, and that I have much for which to be thankful - for the interesting work which has filled my varied life, drowning all care; for the sincere friends which I have retained throughout my life...; for the happiness of my early life sheltered from all care by good parents; for good brothers and sister; for a loving husband and a dear daughter who cheered and encouraged me in my saddest moments; and, above all, for the gift of faith when later in life things changed for me. For all of this and much more, let my most grateful thanksgiving ascend to the throne of the Almighty God who orders all things well."
July 2, 2007
Mexican-American / Chicana autobiography, focusing on culture and how the culture changed over Jaramillo's lifetime.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews