"Coconut:" Novel Provides Historic Look at Racism Against Latinos

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Life for Latino Americans in Los Angeles during the turbulent 1960's and 1970's is the focus of "Coconut," a new novel by Manuel Padilla Jr., which examines racism and marginalization through the eyes of a child and his family.

"I've yet to see a story printed about what it was like to be a middle class, American-born Latino family during that time," Padilla explained. "Yet, there are 42 million Latino baby boomers, many like myself, who were not taught Spanish nor encouraged to embrace their Hispanic roots. Assimilation was the only acceptable path, and racism was common. 'Coconut' takes a look at what it was like to be a Latino during that era of civil rights change."

Set in the San Fernando Valley, "Coconut" examines the lives of the Rodrigos, a second/third generation Mexican-American family. The novel opens with the young protagonist suffering a racist confrontation, and then explores the complexities of his family's life as they strive for acceptance in an often-unaccepting homeland. Coconut uses historical events such as the Depression-era repatriation of Latinos, "Operation Wetback" in the fifties and the Chicano Rights Movement of the seventies as a backdrop to exploring the plight of the family.

"In researching the book, I was amazed to learn how prevalent systemic racism against brown people was in the past, and yet it continues to this day," Padilla said. "'Coconut' – brown on the outside, white on the inside – is a name used to characterize assimilated Latinos.

"'Coconut' validates the lives of minorities who were raised during that time. The novel will resonate with many American-born Latinos as I don't believe we've ever truly been given a voice," Padilla continued. "Rest assured, the book is not all serious – remember these were the times of 'American Graffiti,' the roller-skating craze and disco. All these topics are touched upon in a humorous way."

"Coconut" is published by Xlibris Publishing and is now available on Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Apple Books, Xlibris.com and other online booksellers.

Coconut Cover Image: https://manuelpadillajr.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/coconut-cover-manuel-padilla-jr.jpeg

Manuel Padilla Jr. has over 36 years of professional writing experience working as a newspaper reporter and editor; marketing, public relations and advertising professional; and public speaker. He can be found online at https://manuelpadillajr.com/.  

Contact: Manny Padilla Jr.
818-298-0947
[email protected] 

SOURCE Manuel Padilla Jr.