45 pages • 1 hour read
Carlos BulosanA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
America is in the Heart by Carlos Bulosan is a semi-autobiographical novel about Allos, a Filipino immigrant who moves to America in search of a better life. The story, spanning decades, starts with his youth in the Philippines and transitions to his struggles and persistent efforts for education and equality in America. Allos faces racism, manual labor, and violence, yet he finds purpose in labor activism and writing, ultimately advocating for Filipino rights and American citizenship during World War II. The book contains occurrences of violence and discrimination.
America Is in the Heart by Carlos Bulosan is celebrated for its poignant depiction of Filipino immigrant experiences in America. Praised for its lyrical prose and raw emotional impact, the autobiographical novel highlights themes of hardship and resilience. Critics note some dated depictions and narrative unevenness but largely commend its historical significance and heartfelt storytelling.
A reader captivated by America is in the Heart by Carlos Bulosan typically enjoys deeply personal narratives of immigrant experiences and struggles for social justice. Fans of The Grapes of Wrath or The House on Mango Street will appreciate its poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the American dream.
Lexile Level
850LComing of Age / Bildungsroman
Classic Fiction
Biography
Life/Time: Coming of Age
Society: Nation
Race / Racism
History: World