LOOSE WOMAN, WOMAN HOLLERING CREEK, AND THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET

Cisneros's irresistible text is rich in images and bright language. Her details are unique and personal, making the reader feel as if the words were his own, the experiences recent. As a performer, Cisneros is just as involved, and with mixed results. In THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET, for example, she takes the child narrator's voice very seriously, giving the listener the impression of being spoken down to, rather than being entertained. The enthusiasm intended to be childlike and endearing is perhaps too much so. The vocal style in the performances of poetry in LOOSE WOMAN is more accessible and graceful. Overall, the collection is cohesive and worth a listen. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]