Esperanza's Box of Saints

From the author of L.A. Weather comes a magical, humorous, and passion-filled odyssey about a beautiful young widow's search for her missing child--a mission that takes her from a humble Mexican village to the rowdy brothels of Tijuana and a rarely seen side of Los Angeles.

Rescued from turmoil by her favorite saint, Esperanza embarks on a journey that tests her faith, teaches her the ways of the world, and transforms her from a fervently religious innocent to an independent, sexual, and passionately devout woman.

"Esperanza's Box of Saints fills our souls with colors and flavors, but more importantly with a sense of genuine, heartfelt candor, born from true faith. With a smile on our face and a pang in our heart, we find renewed hope in Esperanza's quest." --Laura Esquivel, author of Like Water for Chocolate

"The saints in María Amparo Escandón's novel take us on a journey that explores the nature of sin and absolution, the pain of loss, and the resurrection of desire...an enormously compassionate work about a woman who wrestles with her own faith and emerges victorious." --John Sayles

​"A sweet and entertaining novel by an inventive writer." --Oscar Hijuelos

​"A highly original, beautifully written, and heartwarming tale." --Tony Hillerman

Author: Maria Amparo Escandon
Publisher: Touchstone Books
Published: 01/14/1999
Pages: 256
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.65lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.40w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9780684856148

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.3
Point Value: 10
Interest Level: Upper Grade
Quiz #/Name: 70907 / Esperanza's Box of Saints


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 11/01/1998 pg. 1550
Publishers Weekly 11/23/1998 pg. 60
Booklist 01/01/1999 pg. 831
Library Journal 01/01/1999 pg. 147
New York Times 02/21/1999 pg. 20

About the Author
Born in Mexico, Maria Amparo Escandon now lives in Los Angeles. She teaches writing at UCLA Extension, and her stories have been published in many magazines.