Portrait of Us Burning: Poems

Sebastián H. Páramo's debut collection, Portrait of Us Burning, explores the pursuit of the American Dream by a Mexican American family, using self-portraiture and memory to explore his Texan, working-class, Mexican American identity and his relationship with his stepbrother.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Northwestern University Press

Sebastián H. Páramo's debut collection, Portrait of Us Burning, delves into the pursuit of the American Dream by one family. Through a semi-autobiographical lens, Páramo employs self-portraiture and memory to explore how his Texan, working-class, Mexican American identity intertwines with his relationship with his stepbrother and the family's unwavering aspiration to achieve Americanness.

The collection opens with a humble portrayal of an immigrant American family, but as the poems gather momentum, the image begins to dissolve, ultimately culminating in a burning sensation that haunts the family throughout the second half. Páramo persistently poses the question: What does it mean to burn while becoming a part of a whole?

Through his poetic exploration, Páramo sheds light on the complexities of identity, cultural heritage, and the pursuit of belonging. He challenges societal expectations and stereotypes, offering a nuanced and introspective perspective on the experiences of marginalized communities. Portrait of Us Burning is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780810146488