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Homecoming: New and Collected Poems

julia alvarez

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Homecoming is Alvarez's first published collection of poetry, a work of great subtlety and power in which the young poet returned to her old-world childhood in the Dominican Republic. Now this revised and expanded edition adds thirteen new poems. 

Long before her award winning novel, How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents , and In the Time of the Butterflies , Julia Alvarez was writing poetry that gave a distinctive voice to the Latina woman and helped give to American letters a vibrant new literary form. These more recent writings are still deeply autobiographical in nature, but written with the edgier, more knowing tone of a woman who has seen, and survived, more of life. Wonderfully lucid and engaging, toned with deep emotionality and a wry observation of life, the poems of Julia Alvarez stand next to her fiction to both delight us and give us lessons in living and loving.

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1984

This edition

Format
120 pages, Paperback
Published
April 1, 1996 by Penguin Publishing Group
ISBN
9780452275676
ASIN
0452275679
Language
English

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About the author

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julia alvarez

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Julia Alvarez left the Dominican Republic for the United States in 1960 at the age of ten. She is the author of six novels, three books of nonfiction, three collections of poetry, and eleven books for children and young adults. She has taught and mentored writers in schools and communities across America and, until her retirement in 2016, was a writer-in-residence at Middlebury College. Her work has garnered wide recognition, including a Latina Leader Award in Literature from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, the Hispanic Heritage Award in Literature, the Woman of the Year by Latina magazine, and inclusion in the New York Public Library's program “The Hand of the Poet: Original Manuscripts by 100 Masters, from John Donne to Julia Alvarez.” In the Time of the Butterflies, with over one million copies in print, was selected by the National Endowment for the Arts for its national Big Read program, and in 2013 President Obama awarded Alvarez the National Medal of Arts in recognition of her extraordinary storytelling.

Photo copyright by Brandon Cruz González
EL VOCERO DE PUERTO RICO

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Rating(4 / 5.0, 25 votes)
5 stars
9(36%)
4 stars
8(32%)
3 stars
8(32%)
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25 reviews All reviews
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chivopro12
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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**"A Wonderful Read"**

A wonderful read is like a magical portal that transports you to different worlds and introduces you to a plethora of characters and experiences. It has the power to captivate your attention from the very first page and keep you hooked until the last.



When you pick up a great book, you embark on a journey filled with excitement, mystery, and emotion. You can lose yourself in the pages, forget about the outside world, and become completely immersed in the story. Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking non-fiction piece, a wonderful read has the ability to touch your soul and leave a lasting impression.



It can expand your vocabulary, improve your grammar, and enhance your creativity. It can also provide you with valuable insights into different cultures, historical events, and human nature. So, the next time you're looking for a way to relax, unwind, and enrich your mind, pick up a wonderful read and let the magic begin.

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-Snowman-
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Poetry books have to be read one poem at a time. Poems should be savored, for they are like precious gems that reveal their true beauty only when examined closely.

This particular book is full of flavor, captivating the reader from the very first page. I was truly enamored with the first set of poems, as they showcased the author finding her voice as a writer. It was a remarkable journey to witness her evolution and growth.

The second set of poems, which centered on her 33rd year, had a profound impact on me. It made me reflect on my own most pivotal year and the choices and experiences that shaped me.

The later poems, which I believe were added after the original publication of the book, were equally compelling. They added depth and complexity to the overall collection, further enriching the reader's experience.

All in all, this is a poetry book that I will undoubtedly revisit. It has left an indelible mark on my heart and mind, and I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates the power and beauty of poetry.
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_unkn0wn
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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You can finish reading the poems within a day or two.

In my view, the 33rd chapter is the most outstanding one.

The first third of the book, which focuses on her mother and family, is acceptable. However, it gives the impression that she simply translated her experience rather than truly shared it.

She acknowledges and briefly mentions this in the afterword. (It should be noted that this was her first book, so it is understandable that she hadn't fully found her unique voice yet.)

The sonnets at the end, I believe, require a second reading for a deeper understanding.

Perhaps with more time and practice, the author will be able to express herself more vividly and engagingly in her future works.

Overall, despite some minor flaws, this book still offers valuable insights and emotions that are worth exploring.

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Kurancest
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Julia Alvarez's autobiographic poetry is truly a thing of beauty.

It is both familiar and revealing, captivating the reader with its charm. Her remarkable introspection, keen observation, and attention to the intricacies of life are evident on every page.

In her early writing, she vividly describes her mother's instructions on how to perform the tasks of daily life in their Dominican Republic home. These descriptions are minute, repetitive, and necessary, but they also offer a unique perspective into her own state of being as a child.

This wonderful insightfulness and depth continue to shine through as she matures and crafts poetry that reflects her assimilation of experiences.

Her first poetry was published at the age of 33, and subsequent refinements and additional poems were published at age 45.

The entire book is a joy to read, right up through the Afterword. It is a testament to Alvarez's talent as a poet and her ability to share her life experiences in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply interested in learning more about the life of a remarkable woman, Julia Alvarez's autobiographic poetry is well worth exploring.
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Alakay
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I witnessed Alvarez evolving into a significant figure with the ascendance of contemporary Latinx writing during the 80s and 90s.

It is now scarcely believable how revolutionary some of that work seemed back then.

Even though she was initially a poet, her primary contribution lay in those early novels. However, it is worthy of remembrance that when she was penning these poems, there were extremely few Latina writers. Virtually every time she composed something, Alvarez was forging new paths.

The poems are not overly complex and do not convey a particularly indignant tone in 2021. Nevertheless, there are still remarkable moments. For example, here are just a few lines from one of her sonnet sequences - this one titled "Redwing Sonnets":

"I tell you, I think half the fun (or more)

of being alive in the world is learning

the names of things so there are no more things at all

left in the world, so that dying you know

exactly what you are leaving behind."
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NotTommy9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This collection holds one of my most cherished poems, Against Cinderella.

Alvarez offers a truly refreshing and novel interpretation of the archetypal tale.

She writes, "some of us have learned to go barefoot knowing the mate to one foot is the other."

This line presents a unique perspective that challenges the traditional narrative of Cinderella.

Rather than relying on a prince or external validation, it suggests that we can find strength and wholeness within ourselves.

Alvarez's words encourage us to embrace our individuality and independence, and to not be bound by the expectations and norms of society.

Her poem serves as a reminder that we have the power to create our own happily ever afters, regardless of the circumstances.

It is a beautiful and inspiring piece that invites us to look beyond the surface and discover the deeper meaning within.

Overall, this collection is a must-read for anyone who appreciates poetry and wants to explore new perspectives on classic tales.
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COMThing
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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"33" is absolutely magnificent.

It truly has to be for a person to use the word "magnificent"!

These poems of genuine expression are what my soul longs for.

They touch the deepest corners of my being and bring a sense of peace and inspiration.

Thank you, Julia, for sharing these wonderful creations with the world.

Your talent and creativity shine through in every line, and I am truly grateful to have discovered your work.

I look forward to reading more of your poems and being further enlightened by your words.

Keep up the great work, Julia!
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Horrorreader91
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I truly had a great affection for this book of poems.

Poetry is not typically something that interests me, yet the poems within this collection were exquisitely written and had a wonderful flow.

My absolute favorite poem in the entire collection was Against Cinderella.

This book makes for a quick and highly enjoyable read. It manages to draw the reader in with its beautiful language and engaging verses.

Even though I don't usually gravitate towards poetry, this book has managed to change my perspective to some extent.

The author has done an excellent job of creating a collection of poems that are both accessible and thought-provoking.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a light and enjoyable read that also offers some depth and substance.

It's a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon or unwind before going to bed.

Overall, I'm very glad I came across this book of poems and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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