Student Blogs

José María Arguedas’ novel “Deep Rivers” explores Peruvian identity through indigenous culture, colonial heritage, and nature. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Ernesto, the author tells a story about the search for belonging. We follow a story that is both turbulent and calm, like the rivers that flow through the pages of the book. Between Two Worlds […] read full post >>

I was intimidated by the book before actually reading the book, since it doubled the length than the book read before this week. I was unconfident to even finish the book in time. However, [Deep Rivers] was, in my opinion, way easier to understand compare to the first few books previously read. Following the easiness […] read full post >>

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In fact it might even be my favourite book that we’ve read so far. The storytelling and imagery was done beautifully in the novel and I felt like it was the most realistic and relatable read so far.” It made me truly appreciate the resources and privilege I had growing up cause damnnn […] read full post >>

Joseph Zobel’s Black Shack Alley was an incredibly moving and eye-opening story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Zobel does a really good job at eliciting emotions throughout the book as I felt myself becoming more and more attached to the story … Continue reading → read full post >>

“The Green Door” 1981 by Lois Mailou Jones. Beautiful painting like c’mon? “It is those who are blind and those who block their ears that I must shout.” (Zobel, pg 182) Where do I even begin? To start, amongst all the books thus far, I feel I have been the most moved by this one. […] read full post >>

Zobel’s “Black Shack Alley” was an amazing read. Following the life of José we see his slow innocent realization of poverty and the world he was born into. José represents the numerous challenges and discrimination due to his race and socioeconomic status, but José is determined to improve his circumstances. I really liked how this text went into great detail about the interactions and memories of José’s childhood. Through this, José unfolds his memories but also depicts his shifted perspective of his reality. One theme that I really appreciated in...read more read full post >>

“Long was my sorrow” (147)  This phrase echoed my feelings as I delved into Zobel’s grabbing narrative of injustice and resilience within the confines of Black Shack Alley. This piece intricately weaves together the lives of its characters, immersing me into a world where inequality and tragedy thrive, and many are left behind. Although I […] read full post >>

“Deep Rivers,” through the perspective of Ernesto, vividly portrays the coming-of-age journey of a young boy, intricately interweaving themes of culture, identity, social justice, and the beauty of nature. Some stories, whether fiction or non-fiction, may not present significant ups and downs when read. Arguedas utilizes Ernesto’s viewpoint to narrate the entire story, rendering the […] read full post >>

Joseph Zobel's "Black Shack Alley," originally the French work "La Rue Cases-Nègres," translated into English by Keith Q. Warner, offers readers a deep insight into the harsh realities of post-slavery Martinique through the eyes of its protagonist, Jo... read full post >>

Joseph Zobel's "Black Shack Alley," originally the French work "La Rue Cases-Nègres," translated into English by Keith Q. Warner, offers readers a deep insight into the harsh realities of post-slavery Martinique through the eyes of its protagonist, Jo... read full post >>

I enjoyed Zobel's "Black Shack Alley" very much. At first, I was a little intimidated by the number of pages, but once I started reading, I was glued to it. It is definitely one of my favourites so far. Not only does it raise awareness, but it is told ... read full post >>

I enjoyed Zobel's "Black Shack Alley" very much. At first, I was a little intimidated by the number of pages, but once I started reading, I was glued to it. It is definitely one of my favourites so far. Not only does it raise awareness, but it is told ... read full post >>

Black Shack Alley by Joseph Zobel has to be my favourite novel we have read in class so far. The story of transformation and expectations is one I think many people can relate to, even in today’s society. One thing about the novel that particularly stuck out to me, was the way Zobel wrote about […] read full post >>

“Deep Rivers” by José María Arguedas delves into the intricate dynamics of culture, identity, and the internal conflicts faced by its central character, Ernesto. Unfolding within a societal backdrop marked by ethnic divisions, the novel portrays Ernesto navigating the tumultuous waters of adolescence, contending with two worlds that refuse to coexist harmoniously, even within his […] read full post >>

The early 20th-century French Caribbean island of Martinique serves as the setting for Joseph Zobel’s book Black Shack Alley. The story revolves around José, a young child of mixed ethnic background, and his struggle to define himself in a world defined by racism, colonialism, and social injustice. The book tracks José’s early life and development […] read full post >>