The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, gives insight into what the life of a young girl growing up in the slums of chicago is like. This book is filled to the brim with heartfelt stories wrapped up into tiny chapters, making it an easy read. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read or has an interest in non fiction. The book “The House on Mango Street” is about Esperanza Cordero and her life living in a house where she feels she doesn’t belong. The story starts as the main character’s family moves into a small red house. It’s beaten and worn down and nothing like what she wanted. The story follows many short stories about Esperanza’s youth and the people around her, showcasing the good and the bad.     

The House on Mango Street was published in 1984, a time when gender roles were a lot more prominent. Everywhere you read in the book women are being treated like property and punching bags. With little thought of ever escaping they convince themselves that it’s not that bad. Esperanza was different however, she wanted to escape from the little house she couldn’t call home and every one of its worn down bricks. Esperanza wanted to be an independent woman and successful.    

I like the way the book is honest in its tellings, it doesn’t sugar coat the abuse of the woman or the sexual harassment. Like in red clowns when Esperanza was left by her “friend” and assaulted by an old man. A character that really captured my attention was sally, she was born beautiful and that was what brought her downfall. Her father was afraid of her leaving just like her sisters did before her so he beat her. When she was just barely in the eighth grade sally ran away to a man and got married but even he treats her like property. Sally as a character shows just how vicious the world can be and this story writes her perfectly.         

The House on Mango Street is a interesting collection of stories, from good to bad everything is written. In my opinion this book can be a bit slow at times but a chapter ends and a new one starts and you never know what you’re gonna get. I think that everyone should give this book a chance. The book paints a beautifully tragic depiction of life in the slums.