Nilda's Mother Passes example essay topic

During the summer, I read a novel entitled Nilda written by Nicholas a Mohr. I found the novel interesting and different from ordinary novels because Nilda had a different style of writing, a journal-like style. The story is mainly about the life a young Puerto Rican girl named Nilda during the years of World War II. Nilda goes through numerous experiences that are both good and catastrophic.

From camp to miracles and new friends to losing loved ones, Nilda is a novel of surprises waiting to be uncovered. Nilda dwells in New York City's Barrio. Her mother divorced with her first husband who was Nilda's biological father, but she remarried shortly. Nilda's mother passed away in May of 1945 and her stepfather died in December, 1943. Jimmy, Victor, Paul and Frankie are Nilda's four brothers in order from oldest to youngest. Jimmy though doesn't live with the family, instead, he quit high school and left.

In May of 1943, Jimmy is arrested by the police and is sent to a federal penal institution for the rehabilitation of criminal drug addicts. Victor decides to join the army at around June of 1941 and Paul, Nilda's favorite brother, volunteers for the Navy in 1943. Frankie, a member of the Lightnings club decides during 1945 to join the Air Force after completing his term in school. Aunt Delia is an aunt who speaks of nothing but the gruesome events in the daily newspaper. Aunt Delia is to be taken care of by nuns when Nilda's mother passes away. Nilda's friends in the Barrio are Benji, Petra, and Sylvia.

Benji is a boy one year younger than Nilda. Petra, a girl Nilda's age is Nilda's best friend until she becomes Indio's boyfriend and gets pregnant. Sylvia is Nilda's new best friend in the seventh grade. At Bard Manor Camp for Girls, Nilda becomes Josie and Stella's friend. In August of 1941, Nilda is off to Catholic camp, but longs to go home. On the first night, she prays for a miracle, so that she would be sent home.

The following day, her wish comes true. School started in September and in October, Nilda's stepfather undergoes a heart attack, but survives. Then in November, Sophie, a pregnant girl whose baby belongs to Jimmy shows up after getting kicked out of her home for pregnancy. Nilda's mother, Mrs. Ramirez accepts Sophie. In late January of 1942, Sophie leaves with James Ortega Junior, the infant who was given birth to in late November of 1941 when Jimmy picks them up. In July, Nilda is off to the all girls' camp where she meets Josie and Stella.

Five months later, Nilda's stepfather passes away. Her mother keeps her home from school so that Nilda can accompany her in the church. By the time Nilda goes back to school, she is glad she isn't left back after missing three weeks of school. In June of 1944, Nilda discovers that Hector, a friend of Indio and Frankie might actually have crush on her. Then in December of 1944, Petra gets kicked out of school for pregnancy when Indio has gone off to join the Navy. Finally, in May of 1945, Mrs. Ramirez passes away.

Nilda is to stay with Aunt Rosario, her husband, and Claudia, a girl her age. My favorite character in the story is probably Aunt Delia because she's a funny character in the story. For example, when Jimmy and Victor were arguing, Aunt Delia interrupts and starts talking about two couples in the newspaper who opened the door to a stranger or when Mrs. Wood comes to inspect the house, Aunt Delia talks about how dangerous it is in the streets and to be careful. I found Nilda's characteristics to be very typical compared to the traits of girls nowadays. I would say Nilda's most outstanding trait is that she actually helps out in the family when there is a problem and the fact that she gets good grades. The entire novel was well written, but I felt a part of Mohr's writing was stupendous.

The quotes "She looked about her and saw several ugly grey buildings skirted by water. The day was gloomy, adding to the bleakness of the place which looked like an abandoned factory". and "There was a dank smell coming from the water. Nilda noticed a thin layer of oily film covering the water near the shoreline" made me visualize the camp ground with the stagnant oil and the ugly grey buildings complete with a gloomy surrounding. Mohr's novel was of surprises, exciting moments, and vividly descriptive, so I would recommend this novel to a person who would appreciate a good book.