Analysis Of Yolanda

The main characters in the book include Sandra, Yolanda, Sofia, and Carla. Their lives and personal thoughts are revealed throughout the novel.
Although all of girls get around the same amount of chapters, Yolanda really stands out. The majority of her chapters take place in her adult life, unlike her sisters whose memories are more in childhood. For this reason the reader can more easily understand why she acts the way she does, and why her mental breakdowns happened when they did. She explains her failed relationships and the heartbreak that came along with them. She used to want to be a poet, but she was too scared her words would hurt other people. She ended up being a teacher, but not much else about her career is known. Her trauma is
the most realistic, making her the easiest to relate to.
This novel can have many themes, depending on how you interpret it. The main themes are as followed.
-Sexuality/Sexual awakening
-Family conflicts
-Reinvention
Sexuality/awakening: As children the sisters never knew much about sex, besides it was bad. They discover the meaning of sexuality through childhood traumas, and first loves.
Family conflicts: The father of the girls, Papi, is very against sex and feministic views. He forces his opinions unto his children, causes their lack of knowledge and low confidence.
-Reinvention: The sisters were forced to reinvent themselves when they came to America. They had to give up their old way of life, and become completely new people. Thus caused the emotional trauma that ultimately led to their breakdowns.