Bitter Grounds A Novel [Paperback]

Winner of the 1998 American Book Award

Spanning the years between 1932 and 1977, this beautifully told epic is set in the heart of El Salvador, where coffee plantations are the center of life for rich and poor alike. Following three generations of the Prieto Clan and the wealthy family they work for, this is the story of mothers and daughters who live, love, and die for their passions.

Grabs us at the most visceral level . . . Benitez's clear writing and considerable imagination enable her to make the political personal, luminous, and even comic. Ms.

An elegant epic . . . Benitez is a remarkable storyteller. The Denver Post

Packs an emotional punch . . . A compelling read. The Boston Globe

Explores passion, politics, love, death and betrayal in an intricately plotted mystery . . . Moving and lyrical. Minneapolis Star Tribune

1. How do the generations change, in their attitudes, beliefs, aspirations? Consider the world events surrounding these characters during the span of the novel, from 1932 to 1977: How are outside forces (economic depression, war, worker rebellion, civil unrest) reflected in their daily lives?

2. What is the significance of Los Dos, the daily radio soap opera-both its content and the rituals of its audience?

3. Coffee provides a way of life in El Salvador. What is its role in the lives of these characters, symbolically and literally?

4. There are elements of magic realism to this story. Discuss examples of magic realism and their role in the story: do you think the departure from reality adds to or detracts from your belief in these events? Why do you think the author chose to include them? Other writers (Laura Esquivel, Isabel Allende, Gabriel Garc?a M?rquez, to name a few) have also used this effect; if you've read their work, compare it toBitter Grounds, or discuss if or why Latin American writing lends itself to magic realism. DolcJ